‘Tis the Season for Mental Health Awareness
By ALLISON DICKSON
Editor’s Note: Allison sent me her column five days before she passed away. Not everyone discusses mental health during the holiday season, but Allison, in her seemingly infinite wisdom, somehow knew her family, friends and loved ones would need this final message of hers. Tex Appeal was blessed to have her on the team, even for a brief time. Read our tribute to her here.
Every year a few weeks before Christmas my dad would go into the back bedroom and make a call to the North Pole. He’d quickly emerge in the den and tell me Santa was on the phone! As Santa asked me if I had been good that year and wondered what was on my wish list, I had no idea I was pouring out my heart to my very own godfather, Keifer Marshall Jr. Ahh, innocence.
When I was about 4, my godparents brought presents by to put under the tree like they did every December. That particular year I was fascinated by the long skinny gift with my name on it. What could it be!? I have a confession: As I was sitting on the floor playing in front of the tree one evening, I somehow scooted my way over to my present and carefully tore the wrapping paper into a neat (i.e., hopefully concealable) circle. It was then I discovered the gift was my very own fishing pole! Sadly though, my carefully torn paper was not as easily hidden as I had hoped.
Another childhood holiday tradition was attending the annual Rotary Club Christmas party. Every year the members and their families were invited to lunch, and each child was given a special gift from Santa. With my dad being a member, this was a highlight of the holiday season.
However, one year in particular stands out. I was probably in kindergarten and I did not like the dress my mom decided I was wearing to the luncheon. Looking back the plaid dress was adorable; maybe this was more a battle of wills. Don’t ask me why scissors were in reach as I sat on the floor playing Barbie, but there they were. I decided to cut a hole in the bottom of the dress to make it unwearable … or so I thought.
When my mom came into the den dressed and ready to go, she was shocked to see my damaged outfit. Rather than yelling and getting visibly upset, she calmly took a needle and thread, turned up the hem to conceal the hole, and my dress became short but definitely wearable. Mom: 1. Me: 0. We laugh about it today!
The holiday season may bring up fond memories of traditions and events. However, the season can also be very challenging. I never understood until I was older (maybe after my dad passed away?) that the holidays can be a difficult time for many. There are parties and traditions and fun, but there can be sadness, loneliness and depression. In fact, these symptoms can exist for many throughout the year.
In our society today, it is unacceptable to think of people with mental health issues with the mindset of “They failed.” No one failed. Situations can be hard, but life is a gift and the best part is we are NEVER alone. Hopefully that makes it easier.
So not just now, but always, make sure WE don’t fail. Please think of those who may be struggling either emotionally with stress, financially, physically with illness, mentally with a variety of issues, or spiritually with hopelessness. Be the one who reaches out to make a difference and walk with someone in need. Remember, every person is different and even the people who look the happiest could be suffering from depression. So, for everyone, the greatest gift can be that of encouragement and presence.
As we turn the page to a new year, we often focus on new beginnings! I’ve always believed that our past shapes us but does not define us. We can start now no matter where we are. Life is uncertain, but we have the ability to take charge and make it as big or as exciting or as important as we want. It’s up to YOU and to me! Here’s to an amazing 2024!
