As we enter the 2023 Holiday Season it is easy to become so swept up in the celebrating and shopping and decorating that we lose awareness of those around us and we may miss the signs that all is not right with them. Statistically we are told by experts that 1 in 5 Americans will suffer some form and level of mental illness, with the Holiday Season being one of the worst seasons. Be there for them.
Why is that? A big reason is all of the stress that comes out of the expectations for the Holidays. Another might be the sadness that comes from a first holiday after a loved one has passed away. Yet another might be the increased feelings of loneliness that the extended time away from work or at least away from your normal routine can bring on depression. Be there for them.
There are all sorts of good articles online about depression and the holidays and I encourage you to read a few. Most of them will have some advice for helping those who might be suffering depression during the holidays. Boiling down that advice, the most basic way you can help is to be there. Be there to listen. Be there to show them that someone cares about them. Be there to have a good cry with them. Be there to just hold their hand in silence. There is no substitute for being there. No cute text message or Tic Tock post will work. Be there for them.
In order to be there for them you first have to recognize that there is a problem. Many of the articles that are online have lists of things to watch for, such as mood changes, withdrawal, anger and frustration. You may not see any of those signs if you aren’t paying attention. People who need your help are unlikely come up and tap your shoulder and say, “I need your help”. They are much more likely to respond to your inquiry about how they are doing with, “I’m OK.” So, it’s good to read about what the signs are that someone needs your help, but it is better to be actively looking for those signs, especially the non-verbal signs. Be there for them.
The worst thing that you can do would be to say to someone that you see is in need, “Suck it up” or maybe “Put on your big girl panties”. It’s a waste to say, “things will be alright” or “things will get better” without taking time to understand their frame of mind and showing that you care about them. Be there for them.
As we head towards Christmas with endless Back Friday sales and thoughts of the gifts that we might give, keep in mind that the greatest gift that you can give anyone is the gift of your time. Refocus yourself from the glitz and glamor of the stores and TV ads and look around for those who really need that gift more than anything else. Be there for them.
NormsMilfordBlog 