PHILADELPHIA – Starting today and throughout the holiday season, the city’s behavioral health department will be calling on Philadelphians to take a quick online pledge to “check in” on family and friends who are suffering from the holiday blues for reasons that range from losing a loved one to losing a job. Anyone can take the pledge, which encourages individuals to also be mindful of their own holiday wellness, at https://www.dbhids2021.wpengine.com/en/mind-your-holidays through January 1, 2018. While the holiday season can be a joyous time of celebration, cheer and family fun for many, studies show that as many as 30 million Americans experience feelings of depression during the holidays. People who are spending the holidays alone while those around them gather with family and friends may be especially vulnerable. Experts say a phone call, text message, email, visit or invitation may help lift the spirits of a person who is troubled and experiencing difficulties this time of year. “Having the holiday blues is a real phenomenon that’s often overlooked causing many people to suffer through sadness, loneliness and hurt in silence as holiday parties and other festivities abound all around them,” said David T. Jones, the city’s behavioral health commissioner. “Without even realizing it, people can easily become so preoccupied with the various demands, hectic schedules and overall excitement of the [...]