COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – Depression affects millions of Americans each year, especially around the holidays. Common symptoms of clinical depression include intense sadness, notable changes in sleep or appetite, and feeling overwhelmed by holiday expectations.
Mechelle Virgin, a Phenix City resident whose daughter Destinee Virgin was fatally shot by her ex-boyfriend along Macon Road in 2018, said the holidays are particularly difficult for those grieving.
“The birthdays and holidays hits a lot different because it just puts you in a worse place than you already are,” Virgin said. “The holidays, that’s the time to be with your family and when you don’t have that it makes you feel less than.”
Finding support during difficult times
Thomas Maynick with the Pastoral Institute said people experiencing holiday depression should surround themselves with friends or family. If that’s not an option, he recommends getting involved with community organizations that help the less fortunate…