During the holidays, reach out to people you know who might be depressed – Texarkana Gazette

TEXARKANA, Texas -- Every year, first responders in the Texarkana area deal with the not-so-pleasant issues that come with the holiday season.

For some, it's a jolly time of year filled with joy and laughter. For others, it's one of bad memories and unfortunate situations.

Dr. Matt Young, Chief Medical Officer of the Texarkana Emergency Center & Hospital, said he sees the effects depression can have on people around Christmas and New Year's on an annual basis.

"This time of year, we see a lot of people who focus on the negatives when there are a lot of positives that are going on," he said. "But unfortunately, with COVID and people being financially strapped or socially strapped -- meaning they're not getting out and seeing people they'd normally see -- it's been a hard time. But there are ways where people can reach out to their relatives, their neighbors and their friends and realize that there are other options out there.

"Depression is a mental disease. It's a real, medical disease. And we just want people to realize that there is help, and there are other ways to look at some of these challenges that we've all dealt with. We don't want anyone to harm themselves or harm others when there are other options out there."

Another issue is drunk driving.

Arkansas State Police estimates that about 60 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from their homes during this Christmas holiday.

According to the National Safety Council, on average about 340 people become traffic-death statistics during the three-day Christmas holiday, and similarly, about 370 people perish on roadways during the three-day New Year holiday.

"All of us law enforcement, fire fighters, rescue and EMS personnel want everyone to celebrate and have a great time this time of year. But we also want them to do it responsibly. But none of us in this profession want to see anyone have a bad outcome or a situation they could avoid," Young said. "Preventative medicine is the best medicine. If you think you're going to go out, and you think you're going to partake in having a few alcoholic beverages, make a plan. Get a designated driver. There's Uber, Lyft, there's family and friends and there's taxi cabs that will take you from here to there."

(The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 800-273-8255)

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During the holidays, reach out to people you know who might be depressed - Texarkana Gazette