The holiday season can be a challenging time for individuals battling depression and anxiety and a local healthcare professional has some thoughts on out how those who may know someone with these symptoms can support them.

Jessica Smiley with Heritage Behavioral Health Services says for these individuals, minimizing their feelings isn't healthy and for those who know someone with these feelings, minimizing their feelings is not healthy either.

If you are struggling with these feelings this holiday season, which has added triggers associated with COVID, Smiley points out more people than ever are reaching out to them seeking help.

Get support for yourself or direct someone in your life for more information to heritagenet.org.