Note: This article was written by CPAO and sent to us through the opportunity we offer to our feed readers as mentioned at our post, “Write Article, Send It to Me, Earn Money.”

It’s the holidays! Let’s face it, December is the fullest month of the year for celebration, may it be Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Three Kings Day, St. Lucia Day, Ramadan, Lopez Jaena Day, Rizal Day or New Year’s Eve! And yet, throughout the course of this busy month, as some of us are preoccupied left and right, hopping from one gathering to the next, stuffing ourselves with irresistible meals and goodies, gaining that extra ten or fifteen pounds, associating once again with wanted -and unwanted relatives, filling up malls for holiday sales…some are doing just the exact opposite.

The opposite? You might wonder, yes the exact opposite. While some are busy with celebration, others are in their worst time of the year. Why? You might ask. Well, i think it’s safe to say that it may be due to one or more of the following reasons:

1. Having lost someone during this time of the year (over conflict or death)
2. Being alone in life, (single, never having married, spinster, bachelor)
3. Living far from family or loved ones

Some of us may or may not be aware of this, but it’s true. Because of those reasons, they tend to dread this time of the year, tend to want to ’skip it’ if possible, start thinking about and dwelling in their problems, start feeling sorry for themselves, start to just sulk. And the most unfortunate part about it is due to all the emotion that’s brought about by it all, a case of depression develops, and depression isn’t as simple as some may think.

A firm definition from www.depression.com states:

Depression is not something you can just “snap out of.” It’s caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals, along with other factors. Like any serious medical condition, depression needs to be treated.

What’s worse is a great number of cases of depression lead to suicide attempts and even death. This isn’t to say that ALL persons who correlate with one or more of the mentioned reasons end up this way, or even fall within this category, only those that do are being considered here. So to clarify, NOT ALL who may have lost someone during this time, who may not have a partner, or who may be far from loved ones necessarily have any ill-feelings at all during this time, or treat the holidays as a distress, but celebrate it as does the majority.

Depression does not only occur during December or any holiday, it can occur any time of the year, at any time, but since we’re in the midst of many holidays right now, this is for the purpose of awareness for those who may not realize what some go through especially during this festive season.

So if you may know someone who might be living alone, or someone whom you know who needs company, someone who obviously needs to be surrounded by joy and celebration, a friend, a neighbor may be, a co-worker, the old man or lady who lives down the street, anyone…why not invite them over to be a part in your celebrations over your big feasts, be a blessing to them by sharing your blessings.

Dinner invitations are not the only ways, a simple phone call, or a card or a little greeting to someone can be a great difference, letting someone know you see them, that you acknowledge their presence that they’re appreciated may be all that’s needed to create a big change.

Acts like that are not just for holiday sakes, or to prevent someone from falling into depression, but it’s one of the many purposes we evolve here on earth, we were put here to do those deeds for one another and not only on a holiday, but any day.

As the new year approaches, may we all take in more blessings and may we all be a blessing to one another. Happy new year!

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