Guest, thanks for clearing that up. Often it is difficult to discern what is "tongue in cheek" around here!

It is a valid point, people do put off medical attention because of the holidays. While mine is not life threatening, I put off some dental surgery until after New Year's because it would interfere with my holiday plans.   I can easily see where someone would put off seeing a doctor during this time of year when normally they would rush into the office.

Mack/misphoist said "The real pain is having people demand that you enjoy it. They can be remarkably obnoxious, some of them."   There may be some truth to that, but I find the opposite is even more prevelant. As witnessed here on Mudcat, everyone seems so willing to share their depression. Why do we have at least two threads dealing with this issue on Mudcat? I understand clinical depression is a very serious and life threatening illness - I have a close friend who is going through some very difficult times. I know the need to "get things off your chest" and deal with the issues, but the illness effects more than the individual going through it. Family and friends who feel helpless suffer along with the individual and are made to feel guilty for enjoying the pleasures of the holiday.

Celebrations like Christmas are based on communal celebrations that date back to ancient times. There were reasons to band together and honor the changing of the seasons or other events. Today, the reason many people look for others to join in the fun probably relates back to those ideals - people simply want to share the joys they are feeling and honestly express their love.   The message may be lost.

Sure, we can find crutches and blame commercialism and Hollywood for the issues we face at this time of year, but often we use that as an excuse.   Guest talks about denial, perhaps someone who is suffering from depression is in denial that they need professional help?   While it may be necessary to run away from a dysfunctional family, perhaps that is also a defense mechanism for people who can't deal with issues that most others would consider normal? You play with the cards you are dealt - sometimes you fold, but sometimes it pays to stay and go for the big pot.