I have a close friend who is depressed. It's difficult to deal with as I want to make it all better, to help this person see their value and feel good about themselves. But it's not that easy. I wonder why we are so critical of ourselves all the time? Especially as we get older and see the end of our life looming even without serious health issues. It's easy to look back and judge our lives accomplishments too harshly. We all gave it our best shot and that's all you can ask of yourself.
Especially during the holidays, depression comes easily for some people as they think of family and their expectations for their life that never came to be. If you believe this life is all you get, then that is depressing. My faith and belief system gives me HOPE and an understanding of my PURPOSE here in life is to learn and grow. I believe in an afterlife where I'll be with all my family and loved ones in a great REUNION where all our struggles and trials will be better understood. In the meantime we are here to love and serve one another, emulating the life of the Savior.
How do you cope with holiday stresses and depression in yourself or others?