You Don't Say: A merry crisis to all

I used to have a button I liked to wear around this time of year. It was big and red, and it said: "MERRY CRISIS." It got loads of doubletakes, to say the least, and more than a few glum looks and weary nods of acknowledgement.

That's understandable.

After all, hasn't the holiday season long been associated with stress and depression as much as decorations and gift giving? It's a rough time of year for people on many levels, but those already battling depression are more likely to report experiencing a mental health crisis during the holidays.

Having had two parents who passed away in early December, I'll admit that in recent years it hasn't exactly been the happiest time of year for me either. Fortunately, my partner was a licensed clinical social worker, and many in my group of friends are psychotherapists as well. Thankfully, all have listened patiently when I've felt the need to verbalize my sadness and loss. Over time, this helped me tremendously, and I'll be forever grateful for those informal, and unpaid, talk therapy sessions.

I believe myself to be relatively well-adjusted -- no one runs from the room when I enter, and my friends all seem comfortable when they're around me. Either that, or I'm an unwitting participant in a psychological study they're all conducting, and I might eventually wind up in someone's book as "Subject B." That being said, depression isn't really a joking matter, and it's not a once-a-year occurrence. It can manifest at any time for a variety of reasons. Money and job security are two biggies.

Unfortunately, workplace stress remains at an all-time high of 42% and, given the burgeoning number of closures, downsizings and lay-offs, it's bound only to get worse. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, it's now official: America is in the midst of a national mental health crisis. Don't take their word for it though. If you should have any doubts about that statement, just step outside and look around; read the news fee