depression

Depressed for the Holidays

Lynette M Burrows

The holidays can be a time of joy or a time of sorrow and depression. Believe me, I know. I’ve struggled through more than one holiday. But for me, Christmas is the holiday that can bring me the most joy or the most depression. And no matter how prepared I think I am, or how many strategies I use, being depressed for the holidays sucks. The common response is to count your blessings, but how do you do that when everything seems like it adds to your burdens? Acknowledge Your Feelings For me, for a very long time, I was in denial because when you say you’re sad or you’re overwhelmed; we consider it whining or complaining. People say, ‘Count your blessings,’ and it’s like, ‘Yeah, I am, but I’m still sad…’ Karen Civil It’s okay to be sad or overwhelmed or depressed at the holidays. If it’s your first holiday without a loved one, it’s particularly difficult.   No matter the why of your depression or sadness or overwhelm, say it aloud. I’m sad. Say it when you’re alone at first. Other people often get uncomfortable when you tell them you’re sad. So until YOU are comfortable saying it aloud, […]

I Feel Defeated… But I’m Not

Lynette M Burrows

It’s been a rough year. A rough month. A rough past couple of days. I missed my writing goals this month. Missed my blogging deadline today. I feel defeated.  I’m looking back at what I’ve accomplished (a lot!) and what I haven’t accomplished (more than a lot). And I’m feeling the press of time. The days aren’t long enough; the months are too short, and the years are flying past. The weight on my shoulders is crushing. Tears run down my face. I will not achieve my dreams. Fate is against me. Defeat looms. And yet… I Don’t Want to Give Up Yes, I have challenges in my life. But don’t we all? I’ve not accomplished all that I’ve intended to by this time. It’s disheartening. And if I focus on what I have not done, what I’ve yet to do—it’s overwhelming. But I am a persistent optimist. When someone tells me you can’t do that, a little beast inside stirs. You can’t tell me what I can’t do, it screams. And yes, when I’m down, it screams that at me.  So I wipe my tears away. I refocus. Yes. I have a lot I want to accomplish. Yes. My […]

The Most Special Month

Lynette M Burrows

Welcome to December, the last month of the calendar year. As I thought about the posts for this month, my thoughts turned to December as the end of the year. But it’s not just an end. According to some, this is the most special month of the year. The Most Special Month of Holidays It’s a month of many holidays. See my posts from last year that gave you a little information about each holiday.  Celebrating and Remembering: 5 December Holidays 5 December Celebrations 10 Celebrations during the third week of December 17 Celebrations during the final week of December I’ve established that Christmas is my favorite holiday in these posts.  A Christmas Crybaby Christmas Carols for You Quotes in the Spirit of Christmas The Most Special Month of Birthdays December is THE birthday month. Why?  For Christians (those who keep the spirit of Christianity), it’s the month we celebrate Christ’s birthday. That makes it an important birthday.  The second reason it’s THE birthday month? It’s my son’s birthday. His birth was the very best give I ever got. December also includes one of my best friends’ birthday. And it includes a beloved aunt’s birthday (though she passed away many […]