Seasonal misery - Remember the lonely at Christmas

is appropriate at this time of year that Aware, the depression support group, should issue a pertinent reminder that there are thousands among our families and friends who need extra attention.

Christmas should be a time for rejoicing for children and families and, indeed, for most people it is.

But for the 300,000 Irish people who suffer from depression, and every year 500 of them take their own lives, the festive season can be a very lonely time.