The Christmas season is a happy time for many people, but for others, it can be stressful and depressing.

     Ruth Smith, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association's Swift Current branch, says, even though we are supposed to be cheerful during the holidays, a few events could get you down.  Things such as high expectations, a divorce, loss of a child, or financial difficulties could trigger depression during this Christmas season.

     Smith adds that suicide rates are the highest in December than any other month of the year, and that statistic shows that we need to take depression seriously. 

     The important thing for people to know is that you are not alone, and there are always people to turn to in times of stress.