We frequently find the holidays to be this joyous time of year filled with family time, good food, and a break from school. However, it's not that simple or that easy for everyone.

As someone who suffers from anxiety and depression year round, the holidays are no exception. Yes, there usually isn't the added stress of school work and classes, but that's not to say that it's an easy time of year.

It is easily the most lonely time of year.

Even though I'm surrounded by family, I can't help but feel completely and utterly alone. I long for that someone special to spend my life with. The holidays are often just a reminder of the fact that I'm not lucky enough to have that at the moment. The holidays have become almost romanticized: going to see Christmas lights, exchanging gifts, watching "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by the fire, all with a significant other. And while I'm all for being strong and independent, at times the holidays are truly just plain because I'm alone. That being said, I'm very fortunate to have an amazing family to spend the holidays with and I cherish that time. However, there are good days and bad days, no matter the occasion.

For some of us, it's also a reminder of what we've lost: a best friend, a boyfriend or girlfriend, even a family member. The holidays bring out these emotions because we're longing to be sharing these memories with our loved ones and not being able to make each day difficult.

Even without a romantic partner, if you don't have a good group of friends in your hometown, it makes it even harder to go home for the holidays. Let's face it, you can only do the happy family thing for so long before you need some space and some social interaction. Even when it isn't the holidays, going home is half a burden and half a happy time. It's happy because I do get to see my family and my dog, which is wonderful, but a burden because all my friends are away at college.

I'm not here to say anything bad about going home to your family for the holidays, because that is truly a blessing in itself. I'm here to bring you aware of the fact that for so many people out there, not just college-aged, the holidays are a struggle and while that struggle is there, so are the good times.

So if you're one of the ones who struggle with the holiday season, keep pushing through. Although times can be hard, they also will get better. Take the holiday season to enjoy time with your family or loved ones and embrace the small things that you do enjoy.