The holidays promises a time of joy and blissfulness. A lot of smiling faces, family events, and food. It seems like the whole world is happy and enjoying their life. Well that is a just an image and not the reality of what happens for everyone. Many statistics show that some individuals become depressed and as the seasons changes into winter. For some, the depression does not solve itself until the Spring or Summer.
The Holidays can be a reminder of a love lost, loss of family members or loved ones, or simply being alone. It is okay to NOT be ok during the holidays. I would dare say that the holidays does bring in a time of support and community camaraderie. You are not the only person struggling through the holidays and so there is no need to stay at home and isolate.
The only thing that happens in the home when you are already feeling alone is self-pity, self-sabotaging, and self-loathing. The house can seem like a box built to condo you instead of a home of safety and comfort. It is best to get out the house when feeling down or depressed to prevent associating your home with depression. If you are unable to leave your home due to several reasons please reach out to someone or even decorate your home to make it feel like a new space.
Not being ok during the holidays DOES NOT make you a burden. It makes you human. We all go through our own personal trials and tribulations and just because it is the holidays does not make it an inconvenient time. Please give people the opportunity to help you even if it is nothing more than listening.
So here are a few tips to battle the holidays:
Accept that you’re not okay and take actions to change those feelings
Tis the season to reach out for support
This is the season for you to fill yourself up with love, compassion, and empathy
Decorate your home or leave the home if at all possible
Find an activity to participate in even it it is DIY projects or a new hobby.