The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health will be hosting a seminar for religious leaders to raise awareness on the ‘holiday blues,’ or symptoms of depression and anxiety that occur particularly during the holiday season.

“The holiday season is a time when many people are happy and have fun, but in contrast, it also is a time that is spent by many others in deeper sadness, disappointment, worry, and anxiety,” said Young Ahn of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH).

The seminar will equip pastors and ministry leaders to learn about the symptoms and causes of the ‘holiday blues,’ as well as those of other mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Pastors will also be able to learn ways to prevent such mental illnesses and to intervene when necessary.

The LACDMH will be hosting the seminar on Thursday, November 17 at Mi Joo Peace Church from 10 AM to 12 PM. Those who are interested must RSVP (email joolee@dmh.lacounty.gov) for snacks.

The seminar is one in a series of gatherings that the LACDMH hosts on a bimonthly basis with religious leaders and clergy in the Los Angeles community.