As any regular readers of this messhuggeneh site know, I'm not Christian and therefore find it difficult sometimes to address things that are Christ-related. However, as part of the holiday season, let me address those of you in the audience who do celebrate Jesus' birthday: Holidays can be a stressful time, and you should take care of yourself.

•Make your mental health a priority, along with family and gifts and tree decorating and fruit cakes.
•Don't get caught up in other people's expectations of you.
•Don't drink too much.
•Take your meds.
•Be honest with friends and family when your energy is flagging or you just need a break.
•If you're alone this Christmas, reach out and try to spend a little time in the company of human beings—whether volunteering for a neighborhood shelter or even going to a movie (a cheerful one).
•Try not to indulge in self-defeating fantasies like, "Everyone's happy but me," or "Everyone's got family but me," or "Everyone's having fun but me." (No one's happy; most people don't like the family they have; and nobody's having fun. It's stress and work.)
•Don't overeat but also don't deprive yourself because you're fixated on weight gain.
•Everything in moderation.
•Get enough sleep.
•Don't entirely abandon your routine.

If you're deeply religious, and want a real Christian's perspective on depression, read "Christians: Take Depression Seriously." It talks about the blending of spiritual and physical healing in order to be well. (If it were about Jews, it would say, "Jews: Take Depression a Little Less Seriously.")

[Photo by Liz Spikol]