Holiday Depression: When There is Not Enough Income

It's hard not to be depressed around the holidays. For some reason around this time of year everything seems to go wrong, I don't know why but it does.

Utility companies are threatening to turn utilities off, a layoff may have occurred, someone in the family is in the hospital, children are writing Santa letters about what they want for Christmas and there is not even enough money to buy Christmas dinner. It can get quite overwhelming.

Just walking out of your door and seeing the neighbor's beautiful Christmas decorations can be depressing, especially when your house or apartment doesn't even have a Christmas tree.

The thoughts of becoming homeless keep coming into your mind, wondering where you and your children will go and hoping that they will not be taken away. Afraid to ask for help because children's services might be called but if you don't your children will go hungry.

Your children are so excited about Santa coming and bringing them presents and it breaks your heart to know that you have no money to afford even one.

If you know of someone in a similar situation tell them not to be afraid to ask for help. There are all kinds of places to get the help you need.

The county Human Services Department is the first step to better your situation, you can sign up for cash aid and food stamps and most departments will give you emergency food stamps right away if you are eligible.

Churches are great places to go to, they normally have a food and clothing pantry.

Money was always tight when my children were growing up so I used to donate plasma to help with expenses. When I didn't have a car I used to walk 2 miles to donate and 2 miles back, the walk back was the worst because after donating plasma I didn't feel so great but when my children needed school supplies I had no other choice.

By donating plasma I not only help us I also helped children with blood clotting disorders and the pay is fairly good. It's not like donating blood which you can only donate once a month. When you donate plasma you can donate twice a week.

But if you decide to do this be aware that you wiil have to take a physical given by a doctor, your finger is pocked and your blood is tested for anemia, a urine sample is required and they ask a lot of questions regarding aids, HIV, drug use and any medical conditions you may have. They also test a vile of your blood for different thing. They have to be very cautious about the plasma that is donated.

Food pantries are also a good place to go, the one I used to go to in Killeen, Texas also had clothing and are very generously with both food and clothing.

The Salvation Army is a good place to try also.

Your city hall is another place to go, they can tell you where to go to get the help that you need and may even help.

The Fire Department in the cities that I have lived in give Christmas presents that are donated to people for their children each year if you sign up before a deadline and are eligible.

Whatever situation you are in there are agencies and people willing to help. Don't be afraid to ask around, I know that it can be very humbling but sometimes there is no other choice.