A Less Than Happy Holiday

The holidays are often thought of as a time of joy and happiness, but what if that isn’t the case for you? It can feel isolating to experience sadness during such a “joyful” time. Though this is what it is like for many individuals. The holiday season can be filled with many lovely things, though it can also be filled with dread for many. If this sounds familiar, you certainly are not alone. 

What Makes The Holidays Difficult? 

The holiday season can be difficult for a variety of reasons. For many, the season is filled with expectations and pressure. Oftentimes the expectations we have for ourselves, or that others have for us, are unrealistic. This can create a great deal of stress and feelings of overwhelm. When we are trying to live up to a “perfect” image or standard we will almost always come up lacking. It’s no wonder that this can create stress and anxiety. 

Financial stressors also come along with this time of year. Trying to find presents for everyone on your list, decorating, going to events etc. The costs all add up and can add to your holiday overwhelm. 

It can be important to set reasonable, realistic goals and expectations during this time of year. Creating a budget and sticking to it can be helpful as well. While this can decrease stress, it may not be enough to truly feel relief. Therapy can help with creating healthy expectations and finding ways to cope effectively throughout the year. 

Loneliness and The Holidays

While many experience loneliness throughout the year, holidays can take this up a notch. Nostalgia can leave you wishing for days past and focusing on what you don’t have. Traditions may simply not feel the same. This can be especially true if you have recently lost someone. 

The first holiday season without a loved one can be particularly difficult, while those that follow may not seem to get much easier. Celebrating without that special someone can be a painful reminder of all that has been lost. 

Grief can be complicated. While it can change with time, your feelings may become more intense as time passes. The holidays can add an additional layer of difficulty when you are experiencing loss. If you find that your feelings of loss and grief are impacting the way you live your life it may be time to reach out for support. 

Emotional Health During The Season

If you experience symptoms of depression, anxiety or any other behavioral health condition, the holidays can seem to make things worse. Being a season of increased stress and expectation it is only natural that your symptoms may worsen. The combination of overwhelm and stress may begin to feel like too much to handle. If this resonates for you, know that help is available. 

Self-care is important throughout the year, though it may be even more important during the holiday season. With stress and overwhelm at an all time high it is important to take care of yourself. This can be difficult when you are feeling as if your time is limited and you are spread thin. A therapist can provide you the support and guidance that you deserve. 

Investing in Yourself This Holiday Season

The holidays are a difficult time for many. If you are feeling less than jolly this season, you aren’t alone. There are ways to cope with the holidays and possibly even start enjoying them once again. 

Let the contracted therapists with Carolina Counseling Services – Pittsboro, NC help you get back on track this holiday season. Make the season yours, call today to schedule your first appointment!