For many, the holidays are seen as a somewhat hectic but cheerful time to remember all that we have faced over the past year, and all we have to look forward to in the oncoming year. However, for those who are enshrouded by the throes of depression, the holidays may seem not all that merry. Many may feel angry, or alone, or cold towards the holiday cheer that stems the tides from the beginning to end of December. They may feel abandoned, or have nowhere to go or no one to see. They may have faced too many personal losses or setbacks during the year, and the holidays only dredge up those losses and point out their significance. Others may just not find the spark of joy that the holidays bring, and see no reason to celebrate. For those who know someone who is being beaten by the holidays, or who is currently feeling the loss of holiday sparks, here's a few tips to try and rekindle that good hope:

1) Know That You Are Not Alone/ Invite Them Over

Many who suffer from depression are labeled as "scrooges" or shunned simply because they aren't emotionally invested in the normal feelings that the holidays bring. This isn't because they don't care about the holidays, or want to ruin Christmas. They simply are dealing with the exact opposite emotions that the holidays are supposed to bring about. It's very hard to sing Christmas carols when you feel empty inside and just want to curl up and go to sleep. So, for those who are going through these trials, please know that you are not alone. The year may have been terrible, your losses may have been great, and the holidays may just not feel as warm as they have in the past. Know that that is COMPLETELY OK. 2016 has been what many would call a HORRIBLE YEAR, and you are not alone if the holidays aren't cutting it for you this time around, but just know that you aren't alone in this. A new year is coming, and with it brings new possibilities.

For those who know someone who is going through a rough time, or seems like they may be suffering from depression during the holidays, take some time to check in on them, and ask them to come over and spend Christmas eve or Christmas day with them. Get them a nice, simple gift, and show them that they are cared for. Show them that they are still loved. Give them the real reason for the holidays. All they may want for Christmas is time with friends and good memories to end the year on and some positive notes on which to start 2017.

2) Get Out Of The House And Do Something

This idea is a bit more difficult. With depression, even leaving your abode may seem like a year-long journey, especially during the holidays. However, if you can embark on this quest, they payoff is great. Spend some time with friends, make plans, visit family, walk the dog, etc. Just get out of the house or apartment. Be social, even if its only for an hour or 30 minutes. You'll feel better and you'll have those feelings of accomplishment that come from a well-spent day.

3) Volunteer

If you're not one for friend-time but still want to be active and help out with something over the holidays, take the step towards volunteering. Work at a soup kitchen Christmas eve or day, spend some time with shelter animals, read to retirement residents. Your time will be well spent, you will be appreciated for your time, and you'll make someone's Christmas a bit brighter. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities in your area. All it takes is for a quick Google search and a few phone calls. You will feel better afterwards.

4) Keep Traditions Alive

We as human beings are very involved with repetition and patterns. We LOVE them, we love to make our lives work around them, we love to fulfill them. The same can be said for our holiday traditions. Whether we feel them to be tedious or annoying, partaking in past traditions can help our brains shift into holiday mode, and can help give us the positive emotional boosts that may be needed.

If a loss was suffered recently, then traditions may also help in dealing with said loss. They can bring back good memories that may be desperately needed during the holidays, or help in the remembrance of the loved one continue in the best way.

So go get a tree, real of fake, big or small. Watch both versions of How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Whatever makes the holidays feel like they are YOUR holidays, do it. Make them yours again.

All these things listed may not work for all. They are simply helpful little tips to try and get the positive holiday emotional ball rolling in the right direction. I do recommend trying them out if you're feeling a bit down, or if you know someone who is having a rough time this season. It could mean the world to them. The holidays are sometimes rough, and have an astounding rate of suicides. So please, know that you are not alone. Know that there are those that can help, be they family, friends, or others. Know that you can help those who may be suffering during the holidays. This is not the season of gift receiving. It is the season of giving. So give, whether it is your time, love, or compassion. Make it known that you are there. Make it known that they, or you yourself, matter. Onwards to another year.

Remember that the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is toll-free at 800-273-8255.

Happy Holidays to all, and best wishes in the coming year.