Handling grief and coping with depression this holiday season

SALISBURY, Md. – Although the holidays are a happy time for many, they can also be a stressful, and depressing time for others.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 64 percent of people with mental illness say holidays like Thanksgiving can make their symptoms worse due to things like high expectations, loneliness and stress.

Our crews met up with a local therapist who says to fight the holiday blues people should find help and avoid being isolated as much as possible among other things.

“The most important thing a person can do is to reach out for support whether they talk to family members or friends or coworkers they’re really close to,” said Anne Hoffman, a clinical therapist.

“Another good idea to try to do is an act of kindness,” said Hoffman.

Experts say that if you have a relative or a friend with mental illness, you are encouraged to reach out to them during the holiday season because even just checking in can help.