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Health experts discuss how the holidays can lead to spikes in depression for some people

Reports show that a large majority of people who suffer from mental illness report that the holiday season worsens their condition.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — What is supposed to be one of the most wonderful times of the year might be the opposite for others.

A survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that for some people living with mental illness, their conditions worsen around the holidays. 

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"There’s such an expectation for the holiday season.," Atrium Health Psychologist Dr. Russell Hancock said. “What happens in the holiday season is the gathering of the entire year.

Hancock said mental health and depression are big topics of discussion during this time of year. Events such as large gatherings and constant change can contribute to some people's anxiety. 

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“There’s an expectation that people are supposed to feel a certain way," Hancock said.

A NAMI report showed that around 24% of people with mental illnesses find the holidays make it "a lot worse," while 40% of people reported the holidays make it "somewhat worse." 

Dr. Hancock said there are things you can do to check on someone's mental health state this holiday season. 

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"There’s this tendency to believe that if I ask someone if they are depressed, it means something is going on," Hancock said. "Being realistic with people, what do they need, asking what they need can be critical.”

If you or a loved one are facing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, there is help readily available. You can call Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat with them online. There are also resources in North Carolina available here and in South Carolina available here.

 Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on FacebookX and Instagram.

   

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