The holidays are hard on a lot of people, for a lot of reasons. Many people don’t get along with their families – or worse, can’t see them – and experience a lonely week of watching other people enjoying the company of loved ones. Some people do get along with their families and have loving friends, but are in a dark place and feel awful around them. I happen to fall into the latter camp. 

Having a good relationship with one’s family is tricky. I happen to be struggling with a heavy bout of depression and uncertainty, and the thought of having people who care about me ask how I’m doing is almost too much for me to take. I don’t want to lie to them, but I don’t want them to worry. Nobody will feel good if I admit that I’m struggling and my life feels as though it is falling apart. 

To anyone else who is battling mental health issues right now, I salute you. It’s not an easy time. But thanks to the Internet, we can say that, without a shadow of doubt, we are not alone. These words of wisdom, affirmation, and support may not be coming from a person you know, but they count. And we hope they help you to keep going.