Tis the season to be jolly? (From The Northern Echo)

Tis the season to be jolly?

11:07am Thursday 1st December 2011 in County Durham Community Foundation By Barbara Gubbins

Although Christmas is just a few weeks away and this should be a joyful time, there is so much doom and gloom around it can be quite depressing.

Last weekend's news about Gary Speed, who you would imagine had everything to live for, does make you think about those that have far less and how they are coping. Organisations in the voluntary sector that help people who are suffering mental health problems and anxieties due to added pressure at this time are so important.

Christmas is a very stressful time with increased expenditure, over indulgence in alcohol and other activities that cause tension. I do worry about the pressure on organisations like the Samaritans who have to deal with individuals who have reached the tipping point (like Gary) and are sent over the edge.

I am not sure what the answer is other than being aware of your neighbours, not assuming everyone is dealing with pressures and thinking how we can help our fellow man or woman who may be experiencing difficult times.