Well, folks, we're at that time of the year again. Thanksgiving has passed; we stuffed our faces with food and congregated together with family. Christmas is just around the corner, and then follows time for "ushering in the new year". It's a busy time for everyone, with all the shopping and decorating--and let's not forget all the wonderful retail employees busting their hides to meet all the Christmas essential needs. With all that is going on of being excited and what not, we often forget that Depression still lingers amongst us.

Yes, you don't have to double take, I did, indeed, just say the D word.

Depression.

Just because it may be "the most wonderful time of year" for a lot of folks, there are still those who aren't so jolly.

But how could that be, you may ask? How could one be depressed with all the Christmas spirit and music and lights?

It is a little difficult to imagine, even often times forgotten, that there are individuals out there who are depressed around this time of year.

The one who is depressed

Just putting this out there now: being depressed, or having depression--whichever way you want to word it--sucks! Being surrounded by overwhelmingly bright Christmas lights, all the jolly music, and everyone and their mothers out shopping is just disgusting. Not disgusting in the way of "eww" and "gross," but more like the feeling of being left out and not wanting, but wanting, to be one of the super happy present buying patrons getting coffee at their local Starbucks.

And then thoughts of Christmas' pasts come into mind, which only makes things 10x worse. This is because Christmas is supposed to be like all the ones in the past--happy and jolly--and then the feeling just overtakes you of sucking because you can't make yourself happy and enjoy the holidays. You know you have things to do, like reluctantly getting out to buy gifts, and decorating, and sharing in the Christmas spirit, but staying in bed, wanting it all to just go away is better...but not really.

By the time it's all over with, you don't even realize it, because somewhere in the middle of it all, you just check out. It's like becoming the ultimate Scrooge; you don't care about any part of Christmas or wanting to be happy. You just want it to be done and gone. And just like that, Christmas never happened. You may have been there for Christmas dinner, or to open gifts, or gather with family to play games, but really you weren't there. You have no memories of it what so ever.

Being on the other side

The previous description was me last Christmas.

Reflecting back on last year, and realizing the differences as compared to this year, is a huge eye opener and makes me overly grateful for everything that happened in the time between. This year, the house is decorated. I'm stressing out about what to get for Christmas gifts, and I've been singing Christmas songs like no other.

Even though this year I'm one of those overly excited, Christmas decorating, gift buying patrons getting coffee at Starbucks, I think a lot about all those out there who are depressed. I am thankful that I'm no longer there, and I also pray for them to overcome it as well.

Just remember, it's not "The most wonderful time of year," for everyone.