As the holidays come back around, there’s a lot to be excited about. I love the colder weather, how cheery people get with Christmas music and learning about holidays other than Christmas that so many people celebrate.

But sometimes it’s hard to be happy during the “most wonderful time of the year.”

Seasonal depression can appear during the late autumn or early winter months and goes away as the sun comes back in the warmer months, according to Mayo Clinic. The colder weather can bring depression with it.

But all hope is not lost. There are causes to be identified and ways to help yourself or others who experience seasonal depression.

Specific causes can be chalked up to the lack of sunshine negatively impacting your biological clock, serotonin levels dropping and disruption in melatonin levels. Add that up with not already enjoying the holidays, not having the best family in the world, having to leave school for an extended break or just the pile of things that have happened in the last two years alone and it’s no wonder seasonal depression kicks so many people’s butts.

So how do we deal with this additional stress?

Set goals. Be realistic with yourself and how you should work to fit the holidays into your life, not the other way around.

Maybe try celebrating the holidays in a new way. If you’re feeling lonely, look into volunteering for a soup kitchen to make the holidays a little easier for others as well.

Talk to people. Mental health really does a number to make us feel alone, but you’re never really alone. Whether you’re reaching out to a friend or a therapist, there are people who understand and want to talk.

My biggest piece of advice is to be nice to yourself. The holidays can be hard for any number of reasons, but you can get through it. You don’t have to be on top of everything to still be doing well. You’re surviving and sometimes that’s all it takes to get to the good part.