As the end of year holidays approach, it’s a good time to prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally for what is to come. At first glance, the holidays aren’t usually something we’d normally consider having to prepare for, unless we have a trip planned; and we tend to think this is a period of relaxation and fun. Coupled that with the coming new year, there is a tendency to assume there are things worth celebrating.
Of course, the holidays are a period for celebration, whether this is for religious reasons, for familial ones, or simply just a successful end of the year and awaiting the new one! We’re not suggesting the holidays aren’t a time for festivities.
What does need to be taken into consideration is that the holiday period, and end of year are usually when people end up facing a lot of stress or acute loneliness. Even for people who are excited about the impending holidays may very well end up going through bouts of anxiety and stress as they navigate heavier social schedules, work commitments, or having to face overcrowded public spaces.
Social commitments to our friends and family during this period can often clash, and even our social commitments to our colleagues at work may end up clashing with our other schedules. This can cause quite a bit of distress if not managed properly, and while we may think there should be plenty of time within a month to deal with all this, in reality, people face a compressed timeline in which they need to fit everything into. This is not something we really account for and just assume it will work itself out. While for some people, it can work itself out. For others, it may need to be actively managed.
The other problem people face during this period is having to deal with the actual festivities and all the activities surrounding the festivities. This means being around settings that are celebratory in mood but may be at odds with how you feel. Maybe you’re going through a tough time right now, you’re mourning someone’s passing, or trying to work through tough interpersonal relationship issues. In this sense, being around all the hustle and bustle of the festivities can end up really aggravating your nerves. This can cause a lot of distress that can lead to self-isolation and a mental and emotional spiral that ends up being quite bad for you.
There is also the financial pressure of the holidays. Whether it is to buy gifts for people, or spending on social gatherings and eating out, this period can place a lot of burden on people who may be struggling financially.
Consider how disruptive the holidays can be for normal, everyday life, and consider how you’re feeling as you enter the holiday period.
- Is your mood good or sour?
- Is life treating you well or could things be better?
- Are your relationships well maintained or do they need urgent attention?
The holidays can often be when people feel the most intense loneliness and depression, with many reasons contributing to this. While we may be expecting joy, we also have to keep in mind there are those around us who may need a little bit more consideration.
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