With Thanksgiving coming up next week, I think it's safe to say that the holidays are officially upon us. If you're anything like me, your Christmas countdown began in October. For many people, this is their favorite time of year. It's time we get to spend surrounded by family and friends with good food.

As a college student, the holidays are my time to decompress after the end of the semester. The break also gives me time to prepare for the next semester. We tend to use this time to remember things we're grateful for. However, this is also a time we should be there for those who, for one reason or another, don't find comfort in this time of year.

While many people look at the upcoming holidays with fondness and joy, some actually dread this time of year. This time of year can trigger memories of loved ones we've lost. It can also weigh down on those friends and family members who struggle with mental health issues.

It's not uncommon for those who are struggling throughout the holidays to do so silently. Oftentimes, they don't want to take away from their loved ones' enjoyment.

To anyone struggling during this time of year, I encourage you to speak up. Find that family member or friend you're comfortable confiding in, and just let them know what's going on. Your family and friends are more likely to be understanding than you realize. It's better to speak up about these things than to bottle them up.

To everyone else, I encourage you to reach out to your friends and family members who have struggled in the past. Let them know you're here for them during this time, especially if you know they've experienced trauma in the last few years or have mental health struggles.