It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but not always for everyone.

Amidst the Christmas trees, sparkling lights, Christmas Carols and gift-giving lies a dark undercurrent that many of us avoid seeing. Or maybe you are drowning in it.

In the season of giving, sometimes we can overextend ourselves financially, physically and emotionally. With the holiday season and the added financial expense of buying gifts, getting decorations, wrapping paper and all the trimmings, it can be a strain upon those that are already struggling to pay bills. For others, the bills may be paid, but the credit card balance increases. According to Wallet Hub, they expect U.S. Consumers to end 2016 with over $80 billion in credit card debt, with an average balance of $7,941 per household. These numbers increase in the fourth quarter, encompassing increased holiday shopping.

Unfortunately, the time that we set aside to spend with family and friends also coincides with peak flu season, which is between December and February. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the 2014-15 season, there were about 40 million flu-associated illnesses, 19 million flu-associated medical visits, and 970,000 flu-associated hospitalizations — the highest estimate for a single flu season.

It is difficult in cold weather, when most of our time is spent indoors with others or out shopping with large crowds. It increases our chance of exposure but there are ways to help prevent sickness though not always guaranteed. You can get a flu vaccine, readily available in many area pharmacies. Avoid people who are sick and if you are feeling symptoms try to limit your contact with others. Always wash your hands and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Trying to get enough rest, eat healthy and get your vitamins is not always easy in a busy daily routine.

Another way that the holidays can seem more of a burden than the blessing they are supposed to be is emotionally. This is more difficult to deal with than paying an increased minimum payment on your credit card or getting a flu shot. Sometimes when we are focused on what presents are going under the tree, we forget the presence of those around us. When we are trying to schedule those family gatherings, sometimes we forget those that no longer have any family around them for the holidays. Sometimes families are fractured and broken, and the added stress of knowing everyone cannot come together can take an emotional toll.

While statistics on depression and suicide do not see an overall increase during the holidays, there are still mitigating factors that can trigger these thoughts. Increased social isolation, added financial strain, physical health, mourning the loss of loved ones and higher stress levels can all be associated with depression. Major Depressive Disorder affects around 15 million of the U.S. Population ages 18 and over according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Those statistics do not include those under the age of 18 or individuals who go undiagnosed.

While depression and suicide are not mutually exclusive, about nine percent of those diagnosed with depression complete suicide. Other contributing factors include being the victim of bullying and abuse, feelings of hopelessness, pain, loneliness and a compound of reasons that survivors struggle to understand.

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, claiming over 42,000 lives each year. On average there are 117 suicides every day. For every suicide, there is an estimated 25 attempted according, to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.

If the holidays seem overwhelming and you or someone you know are having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Crisis Text Line by texting START to 741-741, or the local line at (205) 323-7777.

The line is confidential and you don’t have to be suicidal to call, you can call just to talk.

And while you are giving so much of yourself this Christmas season, remember to give to yourself as well. Take time to enjoy the blessings and not just struggle with the burdens. It should be a season of peace and joy, which we can sometimes lose sight of in the hectic everyday. Take a moment, find some peace, be a blessing and be blessed.