Being aware, as I'm sure everyone with a television, newspaper, or computer is, that Christmas is only a couple weeks away, I'm also reminded, thanks in large part to one of my professors, that the suicide rate jumps dramatically at this time of year.

There are many reasons behind this; one of them could be, I think, that not everyone has always had good holidays, stress rises dramatically at this time of year, the occupancy at the battered women's shelters rises, the police stations begin to overflow, and for each of these, there is someone who will be affected by it, perhaps for years to come.

If, at some point this season, you come across someone suffering from depression, whether it be a seasonal depression (not to be confused with seasonal affective disorder) or a permanent one, there is one thing that is more harmful than any other. "It's Christmas, you're supposed to be Merry!" or "Quit being a grinch!"

Do you *really* think that those suffering from the christmas doldrums aren't aware that this is a lousy time of year to be depressed? Honestly, do you think that people suffering fron depression aren't making an honest effort to at least present as happy?

While trying to get people involved, to pull them out of their isolation, is good, but dragging them to a christmas party, or a place where people aren't going to respect the fact that having everyone elses happiness rubbed in their faces may just push them that much closer to the edge.

If you know someone is suffering from christmas depression the best way to help is to let them know you're there if they need someone, and *ask them what they need* do not offer something specific ie: "is there anything I can do for you" is far more effective than "do you want to come over for x-mas dinner" or "Come out for coffee and we'll talk". Sometimes they'll take you up on it, sometimes they won't. It's nothing personal.