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The holidays can be an unhappy time for many people. Whatever the reason for their despair, Penny Frank, a counselor at AspenPointe, said this time of year is the perfect opportunity to help assess one's mental health.

“The changes come sometimes in subtle ways and also in blatant ways,” she said. “You want to pay attention to loved ones who may seem a little jittery or anxious. Or ones who may isolate themselves and have a feeling of hopelessness when they talk to you.”

One physical trait Frank said that is a sign of depression is lack of eye contact. However, some people who are depressed often times see their depression manifest itself in terms of physical pain.

“People can have physical symptoms that impair their ability to function socially at parties or with friends and loved ones,” she said. “Feeling achy, their muscles are tense, they have headaches, they feel actually nauseous and ill – all can be signs of depression.”

Another sign of emotional distress is hunger – either too much or too little of it.

“There's party times, people are bringing more food into their homes. Even our stores are stocked with goodies that are just so accessible to eat,” Frank said. “Many people who feel like they're not valued or who are experiencing anniversaries of losses or grieving – they tend to overeat or not feel hungry at all, so they stop eating.”

Here's a list of signs and symptoms we should be paying attention to in our loved ones (and even ourselves):

1) Anxiety and restlessness
2) Feelings of hopelessness
3) Insomnia or excessive sleep
4) Loss of appetite or overeating
5) Muscle aches
6) Lack of desire for pleasurable activities
7) Inability to concentrate
8) Suicidal thoughts

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, Frank said the most important thing you can do is grab another friend or relative and confront them.

“Put it on the table,” she said. “People need to know that their loved ones see these signs. Don't let things go.”

If you need assistance, here are some hotline numbers to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

AspenPointe: (719) 635-7000

Suicide Prevention Partnership of the Pikes Peak Region: (719) 596-LIFE (5433)

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)