This Column Will Save Your Life
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Let’s talk… When Cheer Fades: Recognizing the Risk of Depression and Suicide During the Holiday Season
By Jean Davenport-Niles
As holiday lights twinkle on and seasonal parties fill calendars, many anticipate joy and connection. But for some, this festive stretch can highlight isolation, grief or despair—and in the worst cases, escalate to suicidal thoughts. Being alert to the warning signs and taking action can make the difference between hidden pain and hope.
A Hidden Burden
The contrast between public festivity and private struggle is striking. Shorter daylight, financial pressures, family tensions and the expectation to be “merry” can all deepen emotional vulnerability. One large-scale survey found that nearly half of young adults in the U.S. experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression around the holidays. (Annenberg School of Communication). While the belief that suicides spike during December is widely held, research shows the data are more complex—suicide rates are not necessarily higher in winter, and some studies show peaks in spring instead. (Time) Regardless of seasonal peaks, the holiday period is a time when underlying mental health risks may intensify—and timely intervention can save lives.
According to mental-health authorities across the Internet, a range of factors increase suicide risk:
• A history of depression or previous suicide attempts
• Substance abuse, recent loss (job, loved one) or isolation
• Feeling trapped, purposeless or hopeless
• Talking about death, giving away possessions or seeking means to self-harm
While loneliness and stress are common around the holidays, they become urgent when accompanied by suicidal ideation or behavioral changes.
Key warning signs include:
• Expressing a wish to die or saying “I don’t want to be here anymore”
• Severe mood shifts: calm after agitation, giving away items, withdrawing socially
• Increased alcohol or drug use, changes in sleep or eating patterns
• Access to lethal means (firearms, medications) or specific planning (Health and Human Services, NK)
Ask directly and listen. A question such as “Are you thinking of ending your life?” is hard—but safe to ask. Research shows asking does not increase risk and can open the door to help.
Stay with them. If someone is in crisis, don’t leave them alone. Remove access to means of self-harm and seek emergency help.
Connect them to support. In the U.S., dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Encourage a professional evaluation if the risk is ongoing. Maintain follow-up. After a crisis moment, ongoing connection, routine and purpose become lifelines to recovery.
Care for yourself. Supporting someone in crisis is emotionally intense. Use your own network, ground yourself, and seek professional support if you need it.
A Deeper Truth: For many, the holiday season magnifies what was already there—unspoken grief, unresolved conflict, hidden pain. It isn’t the season that creates the risk; it merely reflects it. When we see the signs, offer presence, connection and hope, we may step into the space where healing begins.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. You are not alone.