The holiday season for Arkansas families is a joyous time of the year, but according to one licensed clinical social worker, it's a time period that can attribute to added anxiety.

Kimberly Key-Bell said the holidays can bring a sense of sadness for some Arkansans. She said for those who are suffering from anxiety or depression this holiday season, to give yourself time to grieve because what you are feeling is normal. She said it's important to allow yourself an opportunity to take small time-outs when your emotions shift from sadness to anger.

"Time is a contributor to stress, when we don't give ourselves enough time in traffic, we don't give ourselves enough time for shipping if you will, we don't give ourselves enough time to find that gift, give yourself time," Bell said.

She said there are a lot of empty chairs this year and that we are in the midst of a pandemic. She told KATV she's noticed an increased level of divisiveness on whether people are vaccinated or not vaccinated.

According to the Boston University School of Public Health, 32.8% of adults in the United States experienced symptoms of depression this year compared to 27.8% in 2020.

Lakisha Williams, the mother of Marquis Martin recently endured an anxiety attack. Her son Marquis was found dead in a creek in March 2020 in Drew County. Williams said on Thanksgiving she suffered an anxiety attack as she thought about her son whose murder is still unsolved.

"We deserve to be happy and they're gone, you know how he got murdered, everything just came tumbling down on me," Williams said.

According to Williams, she switched jobs and tries to keep busy as a way to cope with her son's death. However, she said eventually his loss does take a mental toll.

"I'm not a hermit, I still want to socialize with people, but I haven't been doing good," Williams said.

Williams said as her grandson gets older it becomes more difficult to bear the loss of her son. She said both her son and grandson share the same name. According to Williams, she depends on her faith to help keep her calm during difficult times but some days are more challenging than others.

Bell said it's important to seek professional help if you feel depressed or suffering from constant anxiety.

For more information on resources that can help address mental health click here.