As the holidays approach more and more people will experience the effects of depression. Studies and research have been linking depressive symptoms with self-worth especially involving relationships. Depressive symptoms can occur when a person is experiencing low self-esteem. This time of year many individuals experience grief over lost family members and the break up of significant interpersonal relationships. It is important that as a friend of a person having a difficult time to offer an encouraging word and take the time to support this person. As a professional in the mental health field, I do my very best to empower clients that experience depression to be in contact with their support network especially during this time of year. Take time today and plant a seed of encouragement to someone.