TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) - The Christmas blues aren't unusual around this time of year.  Counselors say from about October to February they will typically see an increase in referrals.  Current clients may come in for additional appointments, and some clients only come for seasonal depression during the holidays.  Counselors say the reasons for depression around the holidays are numerous and vary by person.  Sometimes financial strains can make a person feel guilty or inadequate if they cannot meet expectations, liscened counselor Takesha Shannon explained.  Shannon also sees a lot of people who are grieving over the holidays, typically over the loss of a loved one.  Shannon explains that the loss did not have to occur around the Christmas holidays, because Christmas is known to be such a family-oriented time of the year. 

"When you aren't feeling that or you, yourself, don't have that it can make you feel a little sad or lonely,"Shannon explains.  For that reason, some counselors are anticipating a very busy holiday season in the wake of the April 27th storms.  Counselors say that there were so many people impacted in one way or another by the storms, and even the loss of holiday tradition could make the Christmas season very painful for some families. 

Project Rebound is an organization of over 20 crisis counselors who are already working in the Tuscaloosa area.  Greg Ikner, a team leader with Project Rebound, says they have already noticed an increase in calls as the holidays approach. 

"Mostly it's for holiday help,"Ikner explains.  "They want Christmas to feel as normal as possible."  In addition to counseling, Project Rebound also works to connect storm victims with the resources that they need.  Ikner says there has been a lot of concern over heating issues and gift purchasing up to this point, however, counselors are preparing for a possible increase in calls for counseling.