"It's a holly, jolly Christmas." "

"Tis the season to be jolly."

If these statements are hollow for you, you are not alone. Millions of Americans don't find this time of year full of joy, family, and laughter. Instead, they are sad or depressed. The less than jolly feeling can be the result of any number of factors.

1. Holiday Blues - The Holiday Blues can come before Christmas or after New Year's Day. It is usually the result of the stress of unrealistic expectations, financial concerns, unusual sleeping routine, or even over-eating.

2. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - SAD is a biological illness that is triggered by the darker days of winter.

3. Grief - This grief could be brought from the loss of a loved one, being in a new location away from family and friends, having a loved on deployed with the military, or caring for an ill loved on.

In addition to sadness, symptoms may also be headaches, sleep disturbance, or over indulgence.

Some suggestions from the National Mental Health Association (www.nmha.org) are:

A. Keep expectations manageable

B. Try something new; leave yesteryear in the past

C Spend time with people you enjoy or doing a hobby you enjoy

D Make time for yourself

If you are overwhelmed by the feelings of sadness or depression, seek medical help. In Kern County, you can call the Department of Mental Health 24 hours a day, 888-343-4756.

However you choose to spend your holiday season, make it meaningful for you.