When it's not the most wonderful time of the year.

For some people this can be a difficult time of year.

Everywhere you look it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. It's a stressful time of the year for most everyone. But for some people it's more than stressful, it brings on or exacerbates feelings of depression.

Depression is an illness. It's a disease that affects the production of certain chemicals in the brain. These chemicals that allow a person to feel good simply aren't being created in a depressed persons brain. 

Cheer up, is not something to be said to a person suffering from depression. They are physical not able to cheer up. Talk therapy is sometimes the answer but mainly drugs are needed in order to balance the chemicals correctly.

A depressed person sees this time of year as especially difficult. Everyone seems to be enjoying the holiday and they are not. The cycle feeds on itself. 

I'm sad when everyone else is happy. Why am I sad? Why don't I care about Christmas the way other people do? Many people with depression faking the feelings they think other people want to see from them. When inside they feel like dying. 

The suicide rate climbs this time of year. If you or someone you know or love seems depressed try and get them help.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1 (800) 273-8255.  Call them. They can help.