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Christmas is probably everyone's favorite holiday. But that may not ring true to people with mental disorder, as many call Christmas the "toughest time of the year". While most people come together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, people who are suffering from mental illness such as depression are most likely to withdraw from the party and sulk in isolation.

Statistics report that the number of Christmas suicides is sky-rocketing. The idea of it being a happy season and coming together makes it even more difficult for people who are mentally ill.

The winter season is another factor that may cause the rise of Christmas suicides amongst mentally ill patients.

There is however, a non-government organization called "Mad Pride" that organizes events to bring people who are battling mental illness together. It is a community of people who are continually battling depression and other mental illnesses.

"But it's also about reclaiming the language around mental health. Why make it a negative? Why not celebrate the fact that people with mental health difficulties have a creative side?" Founder of Mad Pride, Dave, said. "People are presented with these visions of a perfect life and everyone being happy. And for people who don't have that, because they're living on their own or in poverty, it's a time when they get really depressed." 

Christmas is the season of giving, loving, and bliss. Families make the best effort to celebrate togetherness. That is the very reason why people who are suffering from mental illness tend to withdraw from the crowd.

Family and friends play an important role in the fight against depression and Christmas suicides during theseason. Looking out for each other may be the greatest gift we can give to anyone including ourselves.