In the words of The King, Elvis Presley himself, “I’ll have a blue Christmas without you.” The holidays can be a hard time for many people. We feel so much pressure to be thankful, make merry, and attend or host a score of events while looking flawlessly festive and creating magazine-worthy spreads for meals and parties. It can be a lot to handle for anyone, but for those who may be suffering the loss of a loved one, going through a divorce or break-up, or dealing with mental health challenges, the holidays can be especially trying.

We have probably all experienced one or more of these issues from time to time. Last year, still reeling from the end of a relationship some months before, which everyone assumed I was already over, and feeling incredibly lonely, I was just going through the motions of holiday cheer. I put on a happy face for my friends and family, not wanting to ruin their good time with my sadness, while at the same time, desperately wishing someone would notice that something was wrong. 

This year, I am doing much better. Others may not be so lucky. Everyone grieves differently, and some challenges don’t have a quick fix. The holidays can really emphasize a loved one’s absence or trigger mental health issues. Reach out to your friends and family; let them know they are loved and supported. Be gentle with one another. And if you or a loved one needs a little extra help, check out these resources from your library.

Reading list by Becky Fesler.

Grace Like Scarlett: Grieving with Hope after Miscarriage and Loss by Adriel Booker

 

Boy Meets Depression: Or, Life Sucks and Then You Live by Kevin Breel

 

Thriving with Social Anxiety: Daily Strategies for Overcoming Anxiety, Building Self-Confidence by Hattie C. Cooper

 

You Can Heal Your Heart: Finding Peace After a Breakup, Divorce, or Deathby Louise L. Hay

 

How to be Yourself: Quiet your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety by Ellen Hendriksen

 

25 Things to Do When Grandpa Passes Away, Mom and Dad Get Divorced, or the Dog Dies: Activities to Help Children Suffering Loss or Change by Laurie A. Kanyer

 

Winter Blues: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder by Norman E. Rosenthal

 

The Anxiety Survival Guide for Teens: CBT Skills to Overcome Fear, Worry, & Panic by Jennifer Shannon

 

Death of a Parent: Transition to a New Adult Identity by Debra Umberson

 

How to Fix a Broken Heart by Guy Winch

 

Healing Your Holiday Grief: 100 Practical Ideas for Blending Mourning and Celebration During the Holiday Season by Alan Wolfelt

 

Freaking Out: Real-Life Stories About Anxiety