“That’s what Christmas is all about,” Linus told Charlie Brown after explaining the true meaning of the holiday.
How many Charlie Browns are there among us?
You know, the one who proclaimed to Linus that despite all the traditions of Christmas presents, holiday cards and decorations, he still winds up depressed, but is not sure why.
The truth may well have been he was suffering from depression or some other form of mental-health issue.
So what did he do to get out of his doldrums? He followed Lucy’s cue and decorated a sparse and paltry Christmas tree.
At this time of the year, many people suffer those same feelings and perhaps are not so lucky in dealing with the mental-health issues that plague them.
Susan and Bill Guiney know first hand the traumatic experience mental health played in their own lives and have worked for several years to assist people with the issues surrounding mental health.
Their story surrounds their daughters, who several years ago, just four days apart, both attempted suicide.
“Both of our girls have ended up in the hospital with suicide attempts,” Susan Guiney said Wednesday.
“They both have depression and anxiety issues. Our youngest was a cutter — that is a cry for help. One of those cuts went too far and she nearly died. Four days later, our other daughter took an overdose.”
In an effort to help others and to lend support to mental-health, the Guineys have done several events to encourage people to seek help and not take the same drastic measures attempted by their daughters.
Their latest venture is a Charlie Brown tree-like story.
For those who drive the barrens on Highway 10 on the Southern Shore, most have seen a lonely and scraggly spruce about seven kilometres north of Portugal Cove South.
Some would call it a symbol of solitude, a singular tree standing alone in the middle of tough surroundings. This could be the way people who suffer from mental-health issues feel.
Bill decided to draw attention to the high amount of stress and mental-health issues the holidays can create and, in honour of his daughters, decorate the tree for everyone to share and elicit a message of hope.
“For the month of December I have decided to decorate this tree with ornaments to again raise awareness for mental health over the holidays,” Bill said.
“I will be placing four ornaments on the tree to represent Susan, myself and our two girls, and making a small donation to the Mental Health Association NL Division.”
Anyone wishing to place an ornament on the tree in honour of someone who has struggled with or is struggling with mental health can drop off the ornament to Bill or Susan.
Or, anyone who wants to make a donation to the Mental Health Association NL Division can drop it off with the ornament or email the Guineys at [email protected] or Bev Hiscock at [email protected].
The Guineys know that many people find the financial burden of this time of year difficult, so a donation is not a requirement.
“Just get the ornament to me so we can show your loved ones that no matter where you were placed in this life, you can still stand strong like the spruce tree on the barrens,” Bill said.
He said that because of the nature of the barrens, a harsh terrain, any ornaments that will be placed on the tree should be durable to withstand the elements.
The Guineys will update people through Facebook of the progress of the tree and will publish the names of those who make contributions to the project.
“Thanks to everyone in advance for supporting us and it is our hope we all can celebrate a Merry Christmas.”