For some, holidays aren't 'the most wonderful time of the year'

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — The holiday season doesn't always bring cheer. Many nationwide suffer from seasonal depression among other mental struggles, and the same can be said in Belmont County.

“People say, 'Christmas is the happiest time of the year,’” Emily Williamson, a community education coordinator with Tri-County Help Center. “For some people, it's very lonely, stressful, and often times violence is escalated "

Several people feel alone and depressed this time of year. The cold, not having someone to spend time with, or simple loneliness are just some of the issues the Tri-County Help Center deals with in the winter. Among the upswing in mental struggles, the organization sees more instances involving men.

“They're not usually allowed to express the other emotions like shame, embarrassment, stress, etc.,” Williamson said. “And it all kind of goes straight to anger if they're not taught to identify those notions.”

That anger often leads to domestic violence. Surviving victims of that and mental illness are taught to rely on each other once the holidays come around.

“We have survivor support groups that really try to make connections with survivors throughout the whole area,” Williamson said. “That's giving them a community to connect with and create a support system."

The Help Center assists in getting people back on track each winter. Their counseling is designed to get to know a patient and have a specific process for the individual.

“It's going to be getting to know you,” Williamson said. “Your concerns, and the different things that effect you. From there, it's on to seeing yourself get better through your process. We don't want to keep you longer than we need to."

If you or anyone you know suffer from the conditions mentioned, the Tri-County Help Center's office is in downtown St. Clairsville and can be reached by calling (740) 695-5441.