While many people are enjoying the holiday season, others may be singing the Christmas blues. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 64% of people with mental health conditions say the holidays are harder than other times of the year due to increased stress, loneliness, family dynamics and other factors.

Door County Medical Center licensed clinical social worker Ally Bretl says grief is a significant concern during the holidays, particularly for those who have lost friends or loved ones or have family members who live too far away to visit. She says it is OK to not be OK sometimes, even during what is often called the most wonderful time of the year.

If this describes someone you know, Bretl says it is still important to make time to help them feel loved and connected during the holiday season.

Bretl adds that friends and family should avoid forcing festivity on those who are grieving. Instead, she says it is important to be present, remind them they are not alone, and help connect them with mental health resources if they need more support than loved ones can provide.