WESLACO – Many believe this is the happiest time of the year and for most it probably is.

However, there are others who find the holidays to be the hardest and loneliest season.

Stephanie Contreras, the director at the National Alliance of Mental Illness in the Valley, says the most important signs of seasonal depression are changes in eating, sleeping and interest pattern.

"Don't leave them by themselves because they can commit suicide very quickly," advises Contreras.

Local resident Tony Villareal says he always keeps an extra watchful eye for his loved ones this time of the year.

He says stress from the holidays or the feeling of being alone for Christmas might start to affect a loved one’s psyche.

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