CNN: Is suicide risk higher during the holidays? Experts weigh in on study and how to cope

[no_hypocrisy]

1. One reason is that to some people, it's unbearable to see so many people happy

and joyous while they aren't. And the implied pressure to join the parade when they can't.

It could be having depression due to death of a loved one or family member. Or the memory of someone who has died. Or can't celebrate as that death occurred in the middle of the holiday season. Or losing a job. You get it.

One Christmas about 10 years ago, I was in a "blue funk". Not that I hated Christmas. I just couldn't get into it. And I heard about a local "Blue Christmas" service. Not a celebration. But a gathering for like-minded people (not necessarily Christian) who wanted to feel free to grieve, to feel depressed, to be left alone.

It actually was quite good for me. I entered the church. It was dark with a myriad of flickering candles. I could smell incense. There was background music of organ music, not the joyful Yuletide tunes, e.g., Joy To The World. You could sit alone or with a companion. The minister had a quiet, comforting voice, validating our mixed feelings about the season. And reminded us that perhaps our grief/depression was connected to the fact that we were approaching the darkest day of the year and soon, there would be more light if we would consider waiting a little longer. If you were so inclined, attendees were invited up to receive a hug from the minister and to light a candle for someone who was absent.

After the service, a light buffet was served.

I've only needed one visit. I wonder if this opportunity has saved lives from suicide.