The mission of Military Spouses of Strength is to make a positive impact on the military spouse community in regards to mental health. At MSoS you can find a depression test, a forum to ask general questions of mental health professionals.
Guest Blog Post by Jennifer Cowsert
Well, we’ve made it through Halloween and can now see Holiday festivities right around the corner. The invitations to parties are already trickling in, the kids’ wish list is getting longer, the flights are booked for visiting family and that size six red dress is waiting in the closet for your size eight body for your husbands annual work party.
For the average person, this time of year can be incredibly stressful. To a person suffering with mental health issues however, it can be utterly overwhelming.
You may find yourself or loved one starting to retreat. She’s told you she’d be at tonights shopping trip with the girls’, only she’s cancelled at the last minute with some excuse. The truth is she’s feeling worn down, lonely in a room full of friends, she’s feeling physically unwell with reoccurring headaches and tired. She doesn’t want to feel this way, she tries to fake it until she makes it, but eventually just gives up.
The reality is that suicides increase during the holidays. There are ways that you can help yourself and loved ones to make it through the holiday blues. First and foremost, make sure you’re under the care of a mental health professional. Depression causes you to see everyday life through broken glass. You need professionals to help you sift through the emotions you’re feeling. Secondly, don’t fill up your calendar. You don’t have to go to every party, buy a gift for every person and fit into the perfect dress. Chose the events that mean the most to you. Buy some cards for friends and family in bulk and pick up some gift cards. Sit down with your family and agree on your holiday plans and gift buying.
It’s also a good idea for you to keep track of your moods daily. It helps if your partner does the same as we often don’t see ourselves unraveling. Is she moodier, a bit more manic, sleeping a bit more? Keep track so you can report back to your doctor. Oftentimes, a small change in medications can make a HUGE difference.
Stop and make sure you’re taking good care of yourself. People suffering often feel 
unworthy and unloved. Go grab a coffee and get a thirty minute massage for yourself. Make sure you’re telling your loved one more often that you love them. Just grab her and hug her! It goes along way to make sure she knows she’s truly cared for.
We often see news stories of friends and family shaving their heads in solidarity for someone undergoing cancer treatment. We see selfless nurses traveling abroad to care for the infected in Africa. We see during the holiday season an influx of volunteers at homeless shelters. If you have a family member or friend who suffers from mental issues, don’t wait until it’s too late to show them extra support and love. Show them now, today. If you yourself suffer, REACH OUT! Find that one friend that you trust the most and tell them your feeling sad, overwhelmed or anxious. Most importantly, keep those doctor appointments. If you feel the need to cancel every party and get together to relieve the stress, do so. Just don’t cancel that appointment. Continued…