A spokesperson for the Crisis Stabilization Unit in Steinbach says not everyone will be happy this Christmas.

Dick Forbes explains the Christmas Blues can be defined as psycho social pressures or stresses combined with cultural expectations with a little bit of biological change thrown into the mix.

(Steinbach Crisis Stabilization Unit at 450 Main Street)Forbes says there can be such high expectations of the Christmas season that it causes stress for those who are not in a normal, happy situation. To a large degree it is a magnification of other stresses that people experience at other times in the year.

Forbes says not all of us are happy all of the time and the expectation that we are going to be happy on a specific day is difficult to meet. If you feel down this Christmas, Forbes suggests it is okay to admit that you will not meet happy expectations for that day. Do not put additional pressure on yourself by expecting that Christmas will be happy for you.

"As comfortable as I can be, as good a time as I can have to be as connected as I can be, is a better goal because it has a chance of being attainable," explains Forbes. "As opposed to, I must be happy, I must be smiling all of the time, I must be super engaged with people who are around."

If you know of somebody who may not be happy this Christmas, Forbes says be supportive. This does not mean telling them to forget about their worries and focus on other things. Forbes says that is not realistic. He suggests against placing lofty expectations and don't promise that it will be a fabulous holiday.

"'We'd love to have you come, just having you around is a fabulous thing and we hope that you enjoy it as much as is possible,' is kind of a nice easier message, it's closer to attainable," says Forbes.

Meanwhile, he says there is also seasonal affective disorder which can hit people this time of year. While some people will get it in September already, for others it arrives in December or January. He notes many people think they are suffering from the Christmas Blues, only to realize they are still down after Christmas. Forbes suggests treatments such as light therapy or medication might be effective.

There are also those who struggle with eating disorders this time of year. Forbes says because food is very much a part of the Christmas feasting process, it might be important to join a support group or seek professional treatment.

Forbes says the Crisis Stabilization Unit does not see increased intake over Christmas. He notes often Christmas can be a distraction for some, which only leads to issues in the new year. He notes it is similar to palliative care, where often a person will hang on until the Christmas season is over and then resign to the fact that the end of their life is nearing.