For me it's been beautiful because I love this time of year even if it's just me and the puppy dogs 🐕🥰

Dear Chris, I agree with you about how Depression becomes so difficult at the holidays. For me I try each year to find new methods to deal with sharing memories, celebrations, and giving a better understanding of how difficult Depression with the holiday season brings. In the past, I was so quiet and distant and noticed that others were trying to help me. May we find ways each year to spread more joy, encouragement with a listening ear so this time of the year will become better.

Chris since my Dad passed in 1993 I have not enjoyed any holidays near as much especially my birthday and this time of year. A few weeks ago I hit my lowest I have ever been and I even left here for a while and I love MDT and have been here a year this month. I had to send my therapist a sos ASAP email and she did a virtual after hours visit.
So I really know where you are coming from but welcome to MDT and you will find a lot of benefits here with the information and wonderful people and we all jump in and try to help each.
Hugs and we can make

On my birthday I spent that day and a few more feeling really down. I was looking back on all the years of chronic depression and wondering how I could still be feeling so stuck. The answer was to reach out to a friend and straighten out my thinking. The past is irrelevant, it does not exist except for in my thoughts and memories. It makes no sense to make myself feel bad about things, to have regrets or feel shame. I let it go and try to be in the moment or even find things to possibly look forward to. I know that I am always making progress whether it seems like it or not. That keeps me going.

Chris, progression can be viewed in different ways. For me in 2023, it was who I do not to be around. Receiving any type of communication would put me into extreme's and all of it was negative. So I made sure to limit my communication with them. I am hoping 2024 will bring forth and place me in an environment of progression either towards education or employment. I do know I am making it a goal on my own to make these things happen.