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When the Holidays Hurt: A Compassionate Look at Seasonal Depression and How to Find Support

A gentle reminder that you are not alone, plus simple steps to ease holiday depression and find help when you need it.

Author

Kathleen Barnes
December 19, 2025

December 19, 2025

A Message from Kathleen:

Dear Friends,

If you suffer from depression or you know or love someone who does, please read this week’s lead article for some ways to address it. Please reach out to those who are alone this holiday season. An invitation for a cup of coffee or the gift of a phone call or a holiday cookie may quite literally save a life.

On behalf of myself and my incredibly capable assistant, Ava Fails, we wish you the best for this holiday season.

Happy holidays to all of you, whatever you celebrate.

Be well,

Kathleen

Main Article

I was working for a newspaper when my editor suggested that I write about coping with holiday depression. This article is the result.

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