Unwrapping the holiday blues: Navigating the dark side of the festive season

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — While the holidays may be the most wonderful time of year for some, that’s not true for everyone.

Ryan Estes, COO at Coastal Horizons, says the hectic season can be overwhelming for many different reasons.

“We just are so caught up in ourselves and trying to get through the moment that we forget what other people might be going through and it’s a really stressful time of year,” Estes said. “People are remembering loved ones that are no longer with us, maybe they’re in financial distress. It’s just a taxing time. It’s cold, it’s dreary. There’s so many reasons that though many of us are in a festive joyous mood, it’s a very depressing time for a lot of others.”

According to Estes, Coastal Horizons sees an uptick in relapse for people who have struggled with substance use, an increase in people seeking counseling services and people taking their own lives this time of year.

Statewide, Estes says death by suicide numbers have been rising and there is a seasonality trend with that increase.

During the Board of Commissioners’ meeting in December, New Hanover County staff reported a 53 percent increase in death by suicide from 2021 to 2022. Complete data from 2023 is not yet available.

While death by suicide may seem more common in younger people, Estes says there seems to be a “silent number” that is not often discussed.

“There’s a lot of elderly individuals who are dying by suicide,” Estes said. “If you think about why people start to feel that depressed or out of options, they’re shut-in, they’ve lost their support network, maybe they’re financially not able to live the same way they did when they were younger. There’s been a huge increase in people taking their own lives that are elderly.”

In addition to connecting someone with resources like the ones offered at Coastal Horizons, Estes encourages everyone to give grace and spread kindness — especially this time of year.

“Checking in on people that may not have others in that support network. They’re your neighbor and they don’t get out as much…go check on them. That’s the kind thing to do and it’s those small interactions that really can help,” he said.

Anyone seeking help can go to any Coastal Horizons campus in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender Counties during business hours Monday through Friday. Staff will connect you with a professional on site to help with counseling and/or medical assistance. People can also make an appointment by calling (910) 343-0145 or visiting the Coastal Horizons website.

Additionally, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is accessible 24/7. The number can be called or texted. Help is available in English and in Spanish.

Remember, you are not alone.