The holiday season brings many things: chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose and for some, a crippling time of anxiety. The holiday season can be stressful for almost all of us. This time of year is meant to be magical and exciting, but for many of us, it's extremely exhausting, especially those of us with a mental illness. We tend to feel the pressure of the holidays very intensely.

Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for many this is untrue. Some can enjoy the holidays with childlike wonder, and others can't wait for the "magical" season to be over. I love everything about the holidays! The cookies. The presents. Spending time with friends and family. The pretty Christmas lights, and all things Christmas. But depression can get in the way sometimes and make this season not so jolly.

Here are some tips to get by this holiday season.

1. Recognize that not everything will be perfect

Coming to terms with the idea that not everything will be perfect is difficult, but important. There is a lot of pressure surrounding the holidays to make sure that everything is perfect. There's pressure to make sure you're buying the right gifts, cooking the right food, and wearing the right outfit. While these things are important, they're not worth sacrificing your mental health for. The holidays are so much more than gifts, food, and outfits. They're about spending time with loved ones. I can almost guarantee your Christmas is not going to look like the one's you've seen on TV, and that's okay because your Christmas is about making your own memories; it's not about comparing yourself to others.

2. Enjoy the moment

It's easy to get caught up in thinking about the future and even dwelling on the past. Be in the moment! Don’t wish the holidays away. Focus on the happy things. There are so many beautiful moments that are missed because we are not taking the time to enjoy them. Enjoy the sounds of laughter, the smell of cookies, and the sight of wrapping paper flying through the air as the children enthusiastically unwrap their presents to see what's inside. It's the little moments that make life beautiful, don't let them pass you by because you're focused on other things that don’t matter quite as much.

3. Take care of yourself

It can be hard to remember to make yourself the main priority this time of year when so much emphasis is put on caring for others. It's not that you shouldn't be compassionate, only that you shouldn't do it at your own expense. It's okay to say no. Remember to take care of yourself, first. Try to get enough sleep, eat enough, and take care of your hygiene. In the midst of the craziness of the holiday season, taking caring of yourself can slip your mind quite easily. So make your self-care a part of your to-do list, and the most important part!

4. Communication is key

Asking for help and talking to people about how you are feeling is always difficult to do. Being honest and vulnerable with others can be extremely intimidating, but it can also be incredibly freeing. Communicate what you're feeling. Tell your family or friends that you’re feeling down. Tell them how you're just so stressed out, or that you can't afford to buy everyone presents this year. Honesty can lead to better conditions, you just have to try it.

5. Don't ignore red flags

If you are feeling more than the typical “holiday stress” and are having suicidal thoughts, it is important to seek help immediately. Call 911 if you ever find yourself in any immediate danger, such as drug interactions or suicidal behaviors. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 if you need someone to talk to. They're available 24/7 and can also connect you with local resources.

6. Exercise

Get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions by getting active this holiday season! Exercise is seen to have a positive effect on people struggling with depression.

7. Volunteer

Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to your community and help make people’s holiday season a little brighter! When helping others we tend to take the attention away from ourselves and our own problems. It benefits both yourself and others. Giving back and making people smile is the greatest gift that one can give.

Please know that you are valuable, important, and needed. You can get through this holiday season, I believe in you. Try to take care of yourself. It's okay to put your health and safety first. Take this time to rest from all the stress and pressure of school. Make this holiday season about YOU! Stay safe!