Holidays, winter weather can pose mental health challenges – Hastings Tribune

It has been called “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” in song.

Yet for those struggling through depression during the winter holiday months, Christmas cheer characterized as a winter wonderland can seem bleak, oppressive, and downright doleful. Factor in the loss of a loved one or absence of family and friends close by and the gloom of bleak midwinter’s unwelcomed chill can be a time most difficult time of the year amid greetings of smiles and gay happy meetings when friends come to call.