It’s that season. The holidays are here, and we are apparently meant to be merry. But for many of us—including yours truly—this isn’t the most wonderful time of the year.

Before you read on, I want to acknowledge this: I am privileged. My basic needs are met. I’m not living in a war zone. I have my health. Others are not so lucky. They are in dire situations. I’m not. I recognize my fortunate circumstances, and I carry deep gratitude for my life. Still, when December comes ringing, I carry a quiet melancholy with me too.

I’m not a Scrooge. It’s just that my childhood memories associated with Christmas are, well, less than festive. Besides my good ol’ run-of-the-mill mental illnesses, I also have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). I have to double down on not getting down by using my entire arsenal of wellness tools. And I’m still orienting to being divorced and living........

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