Depression is Not an Option!

Beating the Holiday Blues Wow! Where has the year gone? It seems like just a few weeks ago we were celebrating the new year. So once again, millions are about to kick their minds and bodies into overdrive as the holiday season rapidly approaches, causing themselves a great deal of stress and strain.
Let’s face it, 2012 has not been a stellar year for the economy and job market. So your dollars (if there are any left) no longer have the buying power they once did. And for some of you men reading this, this is the very fact that will drive you into a deep depression – depressed because you can no longer provide the holidays for your children and family you once were accustomed to. I am sure you are already aware of the problems that can occur once depression sets in. Problems such alcoholism, physical and mental abuse, drug addiction, obesity and a host of other issues that depression brings out of people – especially men. Men suffer and deal with depression differently than women in some instances. According to recent studies, finances have been the main source of depression for men in the past decade.
During the holidays, I thoroughly understand what it feels like to want to shower your child(ren) with everything they want, yet you’re unable to. I too have been depressed because I could not provide a lot of fleeting material possessions to my children. I was only able to conquer the depression after my children shared with me a valuable lesson - a lesson I pondered on for quite some time; one that I share throughout the country when I speak.
Depression usually rears its ugly head during the holidays when we lose sight of what the time is really about. The holidays are a time of giving, sharing and reflecting. The holidays are about spreading love and cheer; creating new memories that will last beyond any gift you could buy.
You see not all gifts cost a lot of money, if any money at all. Some of the best gifts are made from scratch, straight from the heart; which brings me to my lesson, men. The lesson isn’t some major algebraic equation – it’s actually quite the opposite. To beat the holiday blues remember this: The greatest gift you can give your child is love. The second gift is the gift of time. You spend time with what and who you love. Best of all those two gifts are free.
So dads even if you have the money this holiday season, I encourage you to be creative, get your hands dirty and create something from your heart. The memory for your child(ren) as well as yourself will never be erased.
For those men unable to spend time with your child(ren) this holiday season, simply be honest and explain it to them. Children are more forgiving and understanding than we are. Write your child a letter, give them a call, make a card – whatever you have to do to make sure they understand you love them. Your love isn’t measured by the number of gifts you buy, but by the love you give.
‘Tis the season to be merry. Depression is not an option. Be encouraged my friends. Happy Holidays!