'Tis the season to be jolly, but no amount of good tidings and cheer can erase the fact that many American affected by depression notice an uptick in gloomy moods during the winter months.

The CDC states that about 1 in 6 adults will experience depression at least once. In a given year, this correlates to approximately 16 million affected American adults. Depression, though, is no respecter of age or geographical location -- a 2018 survey from the World Health Organization found that nearly one-third of college freshmen around the globe reported past experience with depression or another mental health concern.

Though mental health is a deeply personal and unique experience for everyone, many writers have attempted to describe depression. J.K. Rowling said, "It's so difficult to describe depression to someone who's never been there, because it's not sadness. I know sadness. Sadness is to cry and to feel. But [depression is] that cold absence of feeling -- that really hollowed-out feeling."

Years earlier, C.S. Lewis wrote, "Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say "My tooth is aching" than to say "My heart is broken."

Ascension Saint Thomas writes to remind you that, if you are struggling with a mental health issue this holiday season, you are not alone. Read the suggestions below from the National Institute of Mental Health to help you recognize symptoms of depression. If you realize that you may be experiencing a mental health crisis, make an appointment with your primary care provider as soon as possible.

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Irritability
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Moving or talking more slowly
• Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

NOTE: If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.