It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The hustle and bustle—shopping, wrapping, cooking, baking, and gathering with friends and family—what could be better? Yet, for those living with a mental health condition, from depression to schizophrenia, this season might feel like the hardest time of year. Reading the latest FDA antidepressant warnings and mental health support announcements made me stop and wonder, “How can we better support people facing mental health challenges during this season?”

Back in October 2003, the FDA warned that antidepressants might be linked to an increased risk of suicidality in people under 18 shortly after starting treatment. Then, in January 2005, they required a permanent black box warning about this risk on product labels, ads, and all antidepressant drugs. In May 2007, the FDA extended this black box warning to include young adults up to age 24. Now, in 2024, after an extensive review of the literature, researchers have found 34 studies on depression and suicide-related outcomes published in peer-reviewed journals since these warnings. According to Roger McIntyre, MD, a professor of psychiatry and pharmacology at the University of Toronto, the findings are “very concerning” and suggest it may be time to pause, reconsider, and perhaps recalibrate the boxed warning recommendations. An FDA spokesperson added that, while the FDA doesn’t typically comment on individual studies, they review them as part of a broader effort to protect public health and enhance FDA antidepressant warnings and mental health support strategies.

On a brighter note, the FDA recently approved “Cobenfy,” a new antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia. This is the first antipsychotic drug that targets cholinergic receptors rather than dopamine receptors, which have long been the standard in treating schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, acts, and feels, impacting everything from clear thinking and emotional regulation to decision-making and social interactions. It affects around 2.8 million adults in the U.S., and each person’s experience with it is unique. “As a clinician and researcher, this is possibly one of the most exciting developments in our field,” commented Dr. Sameer Jauhar, a consultant psychiatrist at King’s College London.

As we celebrate this “happiest time of the year,” let’s take a moment for some soul-searching. Maybe you know someone who is struggling—a family member who avoids gatherings, or maybe even you. Know that there is hope. Share good wishes with others and remember you never know what personal battles others are facing, so let’s be kind.

Stay well and stay informed!