Dear Ted: Surviving the post-holiday blues — know what the options are

The Taos News has committed to a weekly column to help educate the community about emotional healing through grief. People may write questions to Golden Willow Retreat and they will be answered privately and possibly in a future article. List a first name that grants permission for printing.

Dear Ted,

I have heard that suicides increase during the holiday season. Is that true? Thank you, Alice

Dear Alice,

Thank you for asking your question clearly and concisely, as the subject of suicide is often avoided, which causes more isolation, stigma and potential for shame and guilt with anything pertaining to this subject.

According to the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, there is an increase in the summer months. Yes, there is also an increase in suicides from December to January. The reasons can be unclear, but it makes sense that December through January would see an increase due to factors such as weather, limited light, drugs and alcohol and a time of introspection.

Besides a time of joy, connection and love, there is the difficult side in which someone may find the holidays emotionally overwhelming (or underwhelming) — in which someone may find themselves emotionally drained, alone and tired. Depression can run high; reminiscence seems to be part of the holidays. For some reason, reflective thinking often draws on losses, defeats and difficult times — and can leave out resiliency, life victories, survivorship and the amazing strength of one’s soul.

Finding healthy ways to connect with other people can help decrease isolation and a disconnection that can be detrimental and drain positive emotions away. It is important to know that most people have times in their lives when depression seeps in, and there is no reason to be ashamed of it. Emotions can come and go. A person cannot control their emotions, but they can control what they do with those emotions.

Finding help and talking about your emotions can allow you to feel supported. Connecting to other people offers healing, as well as being a role model for others to know it is OK to reach out in times of need — while avoiding addictive tendencies and other distractions that seem to possibly ease the situation for the moment, but compound the problem in the long run.

If you find yourself feeling suicidal, there are contacts ready to be of support.

• Tri-County: (575) 758-5857

• National hotline: (800) 273-TALK (8255), text: 74741

• New Mexico crisis: (855) 662-7474, helpoutreachtaos.com

And always remember you can dial 911 for all crises.

My hope for each of you is that you find connection, passion and fortitude as you step into 2017. On difficult days, may you find someone to be with you and believe in you as you walk through those difficult days. Blessings to each of you as we all move into the unknown of 2017.

I wish you well. Until next week, take care.

Golden Willow is a nonprofit focused on emotional healing and recovery from any type of loss. Direct questions to Wiard, founder, at (575) 776-2024 or gwr@newmex.com.