In fact, during December and January, the suicide rate tended to be below average. In 1997, for example, suicides averaged 2,548 a month. But November's average was 2,377 and December's was 2,464. Even January, with 2,545 suicides, was slightly below average. Another study, which tracked all suicides in a Minnesota county for 35 years, found no increase in suicides before, during or after Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's.
Clinical depression is a serious illness that affects mind, mood, body and behavior.
Serious depression interferes with individual and family functioning and can cause job-related problems. For many people, life during the holidays fits that definition. Families must be together and enjoy one another. Giving is more important than receiving. Everything should be picture-perfect.