For many it’s not the most wonderful time of the year. For many, it’s not a time when decking the halls and spreading cheer is foremost in their minds. For some, it’s a time they wish they could wish away, a time when the stress and weight of a season brings pain and suffering, sorrow and despair.
This is hard for most to reconcile as it is, for the majority of the population, a time when they celebrate their many joys in their lives, share gifts with friends, spend more quality time with family and wake up each morning in anticipation of the things that make them happen.
This week on the east coast a young music teacher took her life when her personal struggles became too much. The news came as a surprise to many as, a little while before, she posted a heartfelt and poignant plea to ensure we’re all helping each other in this difficult time.
“I just want to send you a reminder to take just a little bit of time out of your busy December schedules to think of the people in your lives that may be suffering...” read the post.
It was selfless and shared by hundreds within hours. Unfortunately, within those same hours, she succumbed to her own battle with mental illness.
Most of us can’t imagine what she was going through, or what her family is coping with at this time. But most of us are also affected by mental illness within our family or network of friends. This makes reaching out all the more important.
So, find peace and joy in this season. Laugh and revel in with the company you keep. Tell those you close to you how you feel about them without delay. And most of all, reach out to someone who you feel may need a helping hand because you never want someone else is going through, especially during this time of year.
