Every year, millions of people experience some type of the holiday woes. While some describe it as depression, many actually experience sadness. Not to diminish the feelings at all, since any time someone experiences sadness, there is a potential for them to sink deeper inside until depression takes over. Let’s look at what both of them mean.

Sadness…an emotion characterized by feelings of disadvantage, loss, helplessness, sorrow, and rage. The normal response for sadness is often less energetic, emotional swings and becoming outspoken. Sadness is a normal emotion. We all feel sad at different times in our lives, especially when there is a change in our lives. When a close relative passes or at the loss of something important, we experience a deeper sense of sadness.
While it is normal to be sad and even acceptable to spend some time there, it is not healthy to stay in that state. I believe when we get stuck in sadness for an extended period of time, the potential for depression grows greater. A long-term illness is a good case for sadness turning to depression.

Depression….
I believe that anytime sadness persists and the feelings of hopelessness set in, we have turned the corner into depression. Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, decrease energy, difficulty concentrating, difficulty making decisions, insomnia, weight loss/gain, or thoughts of death or suicide are signs to be very careful of. According to MedlinePlus, depression is a serious medical illness that involves the brain and is more than just being down in the dumps. The feelings do not go away and they persist and interfere with everyday life.

The holidays mark an increase in sadness and for some even depression. Do not allow yourself to fall into this. I believe that this can be something that gains control over you. As a believer, nothing has the right to have that kind of control over me. If you are not a follower of Christ, then you owe it to yourself not to fall into the trap. It can overwhelm you before you know it. Once you have succumb to it, it is impossible to get out on your own. While I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, I do believe that there are others whom God uses to speak truth into our lives and help us walk out victoriously. There is a link on the side to Shammah Ministries. These folks are fantastic and they minister with the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. If you are facing feelings of sadness or depression during the holidays or anytime, get someone to stand with you and help you get through it.
Merry Christmas…the light of the world has come. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.