Holiday ups and downs

It’s a time of highs and lows, in more ways than one.

The coronavirus continues to run rampant in Canada as we head into the holidays. And today, the first of the vaccine against the virus became available in parts of the country, although in limited supplies – more, we’re told, of the vaccine is one the way.

And with Christmas coming, it’s also a time of holiday ups and downs. There is the joy we associate with the season, while on the down side, people can’t be with their loved ones and friends as we have become accustomed to in years past.

For people like me who are living with bipolar disorder, Christmas can be tough at the best of times. The holidays can play havoc with emotions, sending people into manic or depressive episodes. At this time, with COVID-19 ever present, this is all the truer.

In the past, when volunteering with charitable organization Operation Sharing’s Christmas Day Event, I felt an elation that, in one year in particular, put me over the top. It was well worth it, though, as many people in need were put into the holiday spirit with food, games, gifts and fellowship. Unfortunately, due to the virus, the event had to be cancelled this year, leaving many without a place to go on Christmas Day in Woodstock and surrounding Oxford County, Ontario.

If any of the people at past Christmas Day Events suffer from mental illnesses – and I’m sure at least some of them do – I can only say keep in contact with loved ones this season, even if it’s only over the phone. It’ll do you a world of good.