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Let us help those who cannot help themselves . . .

340 million people in the world may suffer from depression, or so I've recently read . . .
If you know someone who suffers from it, those other 339 million people probably won't concern you.

Depression hits people deep down, in the proverbial pit of a seemingly endless well of darkness; it can be hard to help someone through it on normal days, but to get through a Holiday as stressful as Christmas; perhaps nearly impossible.

What can YOU do to stave off the unhappiness and self hate your loved one is probably feeling?
Quite a lot, and you may not have to spend a dime doing it!

* One of the greatest gifts you can offer could just be your time and company.

Simply sit and talk, offer normal, daily advice- but never harsh judgement.
Make eye contact- but know when to break it. Staring a person down can lead to feelings of being picked apart and threatened.

* Clean the bad feelings out!

When a person is depressed one of the first things to go, seems to be cleaning their house.
Why not try planning (or surprising-it depends on the persons' personality) a "Clean Your House Day."

Do everything! Put on some upbeat music and really go at it.

Organizing drawers and cabinets can help a person feel "flushed out" while sprucing up the walls with a new coat of paint can really "lift and inspire" goodwill.

While you're folding laundry, make use of the silence by really getting to know your loved one.
Even if you've known them all their lives; everyone has secrets they want to share!
A little friendly gossip can lead to a heartfelt giggle (which releases natural happy' endorphins).

Remember that time you peed your pants in public? It may be time to share that bit of information!

An additional thing you can do; try adding lavender (relaxing) or citrus (uplifting) essential oils to a wash cloth, then toss it in the clothes dryer to distribute the scent to the clothes. While folding them, your lovie gets a nose full of goodness!

* Plant a garden

The sight, sound, and smell of a personal oasis can stop bad feelings in their place.

Choose easily cared for perennials, as annuals will die when colder winter months come calling.
Try to add visual interest to a winter landscape by painting arbors, fences and furniture exhilarating hues.

If you use shrubs, get some that look nice through their dormant period.
A person could try;

1. Henry Lauder's Walking Stick- Corylus avellana 'Contorta'
The beautiful twisting branches of this Willow add such a great visual

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