Holiday season can be lonely and depressing for some people

It's supposed to be one of the happiest times of the year, but for some people the holiday season can be depressing.

According to the Ontario Association for Suicide Prevention, depression rates increase in November and December.

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Sudbury social worker Dan Keaney told CBC News the situation is becoming more discouraging for people, particularly because of commercialism.

"They're getting very frustrated with having to buy gifts for everyone," he said, adding that there's a "sense of obligation that they must attend parties or family events."

And when January rolls around, "suddenly, they've got a $2,000 Visa bill and they've attended activities that they really felt like they didn't want to," he continued.

"We also know there is an increased use of alcohol during the Christmas season, so that tends to lead to family dysfunction, fights, arguments, violence."

Keaney's advice during this time of year is to pamper yourself or check in on others.

"Take care of yourself. Have a pajama day. Enjoy some of your favourite food. Go to a movie," he said.

"Do something rather than buy a gift for someone else, do something for yourself. Volunteer. Get involved in community activities, work at a school, go to the soup kitchen. Create a new tradition that they care start this year and use every year going forward."

Finding a source of hope

The Northern Initiative for Social Action in Sudbury organization has released a holiday resource list of social activities that people can attend to fight holiday blues.

Executive director Shana Calixte said it's meant to welcome people to the mental health organization — people who may have nowhere else to go. The centre has also increased its hours during the holiday season to accommodate demand.

"I myself have three kids and they're very excited," she said.

"[They have] lots of energy too. And that's great to have around you. But if you don't have that around you, than it is pretty hard to feel positive during this time."

Keaney said NISA's resource list can help people regain a "sense of hope. As long as you have hope to hang onto, than you've got something to look forward to."

For those who want to help those struggling with depression or holiday blues, Keaney said more can be done "with a phone call or a text or inviting them over for a meal than ... by giving a $20 dollar gift. That may be the greatest gift you have."