When The Holidays Feel Like Dooms Day
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. All the lights, glitter, glam and family events. All the joyous and exciting festivities are taking place. People seem so pleasant. Laughing and talking about how excited they are this holiday season. You simply cannot relate to them. For you it's the worst time of the year.
Your life has been very different since your loved ones died. Holidays don't feel the same without them. You struggle to figure out what to do during the holiday season. Your friends and family invite you to spend the holidays with them but it’s just not the same. You have tried spending time with family and friends but you still feel alone even when you're surrounded by loved ones. At times, it feels overwhelming and you just want to climb under a rock until it's all over. You manage to do the bare minimum daily. Wake up, get dressed, go to work, eat and return home. Then it’s back to your lonely space.
Work is difficult to manage. All the talk about elf on the shelf, white elephants, gift exchanges. Everyone is talking about who and where they will spend time with their families. You are simply trying to manage second by second. Fighting back the tears and the feeling of being alone and lonely yet again this holiday season. It’s not too late to do something different. Here are some things to do to decrease feelings of loneliness during the holidays.
Spend time with others. Choose to spend time with people who want to spend time with you. Yes I know you don’t feel like it but do it anyway.
Be More Active. Refuse to isolate yourself. Don’t crawl in your bed with your nice, comfy PJs on and pull the blanket over your head. Go to the holiday party that your friends invited you to months ago. It will be worth it.
Be present. Live in the moment. Enjoy yourself. No it doesn’t take away the lonely feelings but a small break for you sure would be nice. Time away from those intrusive, negative thoughts and feelings will make you feel better momentarily.
Plan your days. Plan to do 3 things that will improve your holiday season.
Host a holiday event. Bring your loved ones to you for a small gathering and celebrate, celebrate, celebrate love, life and holidays.
Seek Professional Help. Feel free to reach out to a professional to talk, process, plan and learn tools to reduce low mood during this season. We are here to help you when you are ready.
