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A 54-year-old mum considered suicide and takes anti-depressants two months before Christmas every year because she still is unable to accept that Santa isn't real.

Lynn Cassidy's bizarre condition has been diagnosed as 'seasonal depression' by top medics, stemming from the shock of learning when aged 10 that Santa Claus was fiction.

The parent goes to see a therapist each autumn to talk through her irrational sadness which leaves her close to tears and in the pits of despair every December.

She said: "I didn't have the happiest of childhoods but for this one day a year my whole family got along.

"Back then I didn't think it was my parents who did all of this - the magic of Christmas was down to one man - Santa Claus.

(Image: SWNS)

"I was so happy that on this one day there was proof that I was loved and cherished by somebody who didn't necessarily need to love me.

"Santa meant so much to me, to know he didn't exist ruined my whole world. I know I should get over it but I can't.

"Without Santa there is no point in Christmas, I am not ashamed I to say I had therapy to deal with my Santa issues."

Lynn, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, first realised Santa wasn't real when she got a second-hand bike for Christmas.

She said: "I just knew it must have been my mum and dad who had bought me it instead.

"I remember feeling immense sadness as I looked at them and asked if Santa was real.

(Image: SWNS)

"They didn't even really have to answer, they just looked at me in a way that said it all. From there my world came crashing down."

Lynn now describes Christmas as 'overwhelmingly bleak' and refuses to make a festive dinner on December 25.

She had to keep up the pretence for her younger brother, who still believed, which she says made matters worse.

Lynn added: "The year after I found out the truth, I tried to ruin Christmas for my little brother by showing him where our stash of presents were hidden.

Her children are now 30 and 25, and they understand how their mum struggles.

She added: "I keep trying different things every year and this year we are going to a friend's place who is having a Christmas open house.

"I'm hoping this might work, but then, who am I kidding?"

"For me, Santa was a magical figure who loved me and represented love and kindness. Finding out he didn't exist broke my heart.

"I'll never get over it."