Gary Topley: Christmas can be a difficult time for those with depression

The run up to Christmas is when most people may feel the effects of depression more than usual. It could be due to financial reasons, being on your own, not seeing your kids, having to work, thinking of passed loved ones and many more.

Having first-hand experience of this I know the very dark place which is difficult to escape from. It’s like trying to climb out a dark hole, constantly losing your grip and slipping down again. Your mind convinces you nothing is worth listening too – it takes sheer strength and determination to fight it. It’s a process you pull through with good friends and family who will support you, listen and try to understand your journey.

My advice would be to break everything down step-by-step slowly – avoid taking on the task of working through everything that is causing your depression all at once. It is a hidden illness, after all, that many people suffer and there is no need to be embaressed or ashamed – there are many people who actually have depression without even realising until it starts to effect their lives.

Unfortuantly for many it can be difficult to ask for help due to the stigma attached to mental health, however we all need help at some point in our lives.

Fighting depression has helped turn me into a much stronger person. If you think someone is struggling please be there for them – don’t judge as it may be you who makes the changes in their life.

Don’t let depression beat you when you have the power and tools to beat it.