LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The holidays can be a challenging time for many, but finding hope and support is possible.

At St. Stephen Church, Minister Kevin James is leading the way with a unique offering: the church's first-ever Blue Christmas service.

"We always concentrate on the joy part of Christmas most of the time in December, but we are recognizing now that there are so many people who don’t feel the joy of Christmas," James said.

The service will be held Friday, Dec. 20, in St. Stephen's chapel. It's designed to provide comfort and encouragement for those experiencing loss, sadness, or loneliness. Attendees can expect a meaningful program filled with affirmations, scripture readings, prayer, and music.

"I hope that they will understand that they are not by themselves, that they are not alone, and that there are other people who feel the way they do," James added.

In addition to the Blue Christmas service, mental health professionals are encouraging individuals to focus on connection and self-care during the holiday season.

Dr. Cassandra Gray from Creative Spirits Mental Health Services emphasizes the importance of staying close to support networks. "One of the main things we recommend, especially when dealing with loss, is to make sure you stay connected with your support networks. Spending extra time with friends and loved ones can make a big difference," Gray shared.

Music, according to Dr. Gray, is another powerful tool to uplift spirits. "Music lifts the soul and gets the body moving. It’s vibrant energy that can improve your mood," she said.

For those who notice changes in a loved one’s behavior, Dr. Gray advises keeping an eye out for signs like isolation, irritability, frustration, or trouble sleeping. "If someone is expressing worry or behaving differently, it’s time to check in," she explained.

For anyone struggling, Dr. Gray stresses the importance of seeking professional help. "Let’s call the number together. I know there’s someone on the other end who can talk with us," she said, referring to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

If you or someone you know needs support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988. Help is just a call away.

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