Christmas Depression

[mathuex08]

The Christmas season has always been a difficult time for me. I tend to suffer from seasonal depression and the hustle and bustle of the holidays usually wears on me. Usually, I remedy my issues by surrounding myself with loving friends and family but this year was hard.

I moved from Tennessee to Florida about 2 years ago-- this is my second Christmas in the Sunshine State. Last year some friends and family members were able to travel and visit me, but that wasn’t possible this year and it also wasn’ t possible for me to travel home. I didn’t quite realize that (this being a college town) most of my local friends would leave the area, so I ended up spending the holiday all by myself.

It was hard, but I decided to cheer myself up by going to mass on Christmas day (I usually only go to the Christmas Eve vigil). As I said, this is a college town, and I don’t think I’d realized how many people here had to spend the holiday alone. What was supposed to be a joyous celebration turned into the most somber masses I’ve ever attended. So many of us were (obviously) alone and depressed with the season. Even the priest looked worn down and even put his head in his hands a couple of times while he was seated!

Therefore, I’d like to propose a special prayer request for all people who are spending the holiday season and even the new year alone. We may be alone in person, but perhaps we can gather in spirit!

Prayers are appreciated! :

 

[jhynds]

My prayers are with you and all who suffer from depression and loneliness at Christmas and throughout the year. St. Dymphna, please intercede to our Father on behalf of all these who are suffering.

Amen.

 

[244Rocket]

I pray for the lonely daily.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

The Christmas season has always been a difficult time for me. I tend to suffer from seasonal depression and the hustle and bustle of the holidays usually wears on me. Usually, I remedy my issues by surrounding myself with loving friends and family but this year was hard.

I moved from Tennessee to Florida about 2 years ago-- this is my second Christmas in the Sunshine State. Last year some friends and family members were able to travel and visit me, but that wasn’t possible this year and it also wasn’ t possible for me to travel home. I didn’t quite realize that (this being a college town) most of my local friends would leave the area, so I ended up spending the holiday all by myself.

It was hard, but I decided to cheer myself up by going to mass on Christmas day (I usually only go to the Christmas Eve vigil). As I said, this is a college town, and I don’t think I’d realized how many people here had to spend the holiday alone. What was supposed to be a joyous celebration turned into the most somber masses I’ve ever attended. So many of us were (obviously) alone and depressed with the season. Even the priest looked worn down and even put his head in his hands a couple of times while he was seated!

Therefore, I’d like to propose a special prayer request for all people who are spending the holiday season and even the new year alone. We may be alone in person, but perhaps we can gather in spirit!

Prayers are appreciated! :

Maybe you can arrange a special Christmas Day luncheon for next year! Don’t just sit there, DO SOMETHING! Even if it’s to invite the priest to lunch the next day. And don’t feel too bad about the somber tone of the Mass - we have a priest who always chooses to give a thoroughly depressing Christmas homily. Invariably it’s about the futility of this life and the fact that “none of us gets out of here alive.” I don’t even know if he realizes how depressing his homilies are.

 

[DiggidyDog]

I am praying.

 

[tbcrawford]

Memorare (Prayer to Our Lady)
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen

 

[ready]

I pray that you and the others who suffer from Christmas depression find joy and peace in the thought of the Divine Infant Jesus who loves you infinitely. I pray that whenever any of you begin to feel depressed that you turn to Our Lord on His Cross and comfort Him. Amen.