By Nancy Virden (c)2023

You have probably heard these statements: “Depression is most common in the holiday season” or, “Suicide rates are highest during the holidays.”

No, both statements are false. 

This may surprise you

From Psychology Today – 

For starters, there is solid evidence that — despite long-held beliefs and often erroneous media coverage — the suicide rate in the United States does not spike around the holidays. According to the U.S. Center for Health Statistics, the suicide rate is highest between April and August. The months of November, December, and January actually have the lowest daily suicide rates.*

*https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evidence-based-living/201712/what-we-know-about-the-holiday-blues. Para. 3. Retrieved on December 23, 2019 

It bears repeating. The U.S.A. holiday season has the lowest suicide rates of the year.

Another surprise

Data suggests that at this time of year, people often feel more warmth and happiness. 

What other time of year are you greeted by strangers with a wish for your happiness? When else do people focus on what you want? For some, this is the only time of year to see distant family members. More people engage in life-enhancing activities such as going to church, thinking about their blessings, and serving others. 

Despite efforts by suicide prevention experts around the nation, the myth that depression and suicide rates increase around the holidays prevails. 

The vital difference between temporary blues and depression

Sure, stress may be amplified due to extra responsibilities. This can help to bring out the worst in some people. Anxiety and the blues may also increase between Thanksgiving and New Year’s due to a change in routine. Change is hard, even when the change is good. Other reasons for a mood drop may include missing loved ones and loneliness. The most important difference to notice is that our reactions to these issues are generally heightened temporarily, and relax as soon as the holidays are over.

Experiencing the blues is unlike clinical depression in that moderate to severe depression does not resolve itself easily without help, or at least it can take a very long time. Depression usually prevents a person from functioning normally for weeks or more. Certain warning signs warrant seeking professional help.

Why it matters

The most vulnerable persons due to this myth are those already in despair or contemplating suicide. Anytime suicide is mentioned in a simplistic, one-cause manner such as blaming the holidays, it can increase suicide risk for such people.  

It is almost like offering permission when suicide is attached to one cause. A vulnerable person, teetering on the edge, can perceive the one-cause as something they are experiencing, and come to the conclusion that their death is the answer.

Myths matter because of their potential to fuel fear, diminish the complexities of mental illness, and promote stigma.  Stigma deepens the number one problem for those who are suffering: the lack of meaningful, nonjudgemental support. 

If, as a mentally healthy yet unknowledgeable person, you believe that the holidays give rise to depression, you too could come to the simplistic conclusion that suicidal thinking is easily cured (just get passed January 1). This myth perpetuates the idea that persons who die by (or attempt) suicide are weak in character. “He gave up.” “She did it for the attention.”

Depression and suicide are never one-cause events. Some of the bravest individuals one may meet are those who have experienced severe depression, suicidal thinking, or suicide attempts. They have chosen to live, unlike most people who choose to only be.   

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Romans 12:15-16 nlt
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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