This time of year, many people begin putting up lights, decorating their homes in bright colors, and singing cheerful tunes about it being the “Most wonderful time of the year.” But if you’re not feeling that same boundless joy, you might wonder what’s wrong with you or feel like you’re missing out on something. No matter the reason for your emotional hardships, suffering is never fun, especially when it mixes mental health and the holidays.
Fortunately, you’re not alone. There are many reasons people don’t feel joy during the holidays, despite their friends and family insisting it’s the happiest time. In this article, we’ll get into some of the most common causes of mental health concerns during the holidays and give you some practical tips on how to address what you’re going through and reduce your suffering.*
Mental Health and the Holidays: Why They’re Often So Hard
If you’re going through a tough time this holiday season, we highly recommend doing everything you can to take care of yourself, and that includes going to therapy. Whether you’ve been in therapy before or are considering going for the first time, seeing a trained professional who truly gets and supports you can make all the difference.
And now, mental health treatment has never been easier to access. With online platforms available that take many different types of insurance, therapy has never been more affordable, either. Getting matched with a counselor who works well with you can help you have a happier holiday season!
If your mental health challenges have persisted for some time, you might also benefit from seeing a doctor. While primary care physicians can treat mental health concerns, psychiatrists specialize in them and can provide more tailored treatment options.
Grief
During the holidays, many families gather together and share their adventures on social media. If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, though, the holidays may bring more sadness than joy. You might feel like nothing will ever be the same because you won’t be able to be with your close friend or relative again. Worse, you may feel like celebrating is useless because joy feels so incongruous to your current experience without them.
If you’re experiencing grief, everyone at Vitality Views extends their compassion to you. Remember, there are many normal reactions to grief, from being angry, to feeling sad, to even wanting to distract and drown yourself in activities. Don’t judge yourself for the form your grief takes. Instead, if you feel up to it, take some time to recount happy memories of your loved one.
When thinking about attending celebrations but want to balance mental health and the holidays, only commit to the ones you feel like you can handle. If you want, you can let the host of the event know that you’re thankful for the invitation but may need to decide whether you’re coming on the event day, so you can determine whether you feel like going to a holiday event will be good for you on that day.
However, it’s probably best for you to not be completely alone. Studies show isolation increases depression and sadness. So, you may want to attend a small, low-pressure get-together with some friends so you can receive the support you need.
And don’t forget to take advantage of grief therapy or support group sessions! These conversations will make you feel less alone and also give you some resources for getting through these difficult times.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Have you ever noticed yourself getting sad during the winter, even if you’re a relatively happy person the rest of the year? If so, you may qualify for a Seasonal Affective Disorder diagnosis.
Seasonal Affective Disorder impacts millions of people every year and comes about as fall leads into winter and typically lifts as the weather gets warmer in the spring. Researchers are still investigating the cause of SAD, but current studies show that people have less serotonin in their brains during the winter. Serotonin often lifts mood, so when you have less of it in your brain, you’ll feel less happy. The sun provides us with vitamin D, which naturally boosts serotonin, and since the sun is less prominent in the winter, many people experience a drop in the chemical.
To treat SAD, get outside! Any exposure to sun can boost your mood a little bit. Or, you can buy an artificial light that simulates sunlight. Alternatively, take some over the counter vitamin D pills or see your doctor to get your bloodwork done and receive a more tailored treatment plan.
Relationship Stress
Even when you’re not grieving a loved one, mental health and the holidays can be difficult because of the tension that sometimes comes with having a family. Whether you’re worried about your aunt bringing up politics or your dad stoking the flames of the family drama, seeing people can come with a whole host of emotions.
If it’s difficult for you to be around family, you’re far from alone. Fortunately, there are some tactics you can use to help you cope. For example, you could stay in a hotel instead of with your family so you have a place to go if things get rough and area to retreat to at night.
If you have to stay with people, set some boundaries. Tell people gently but firmly that you won’t talk about certain subjects so that everyone can enjoy their holiday more. You can also use breathing techniques to help you calm down when things get stressful!
Pre-Existing Mental Health Conditions
If you have a pre-existing mental health condition, you might find it more difficult to get through the holidays. For example, people who suffer from ADHD might have time blindness, which makes it harder for them to get places on time or plan in advance. Likewise, people with depression, anxiety, or even autism can find the holidays overwhelming and difficult to handle.
If this sounds like you, don’t be too hard on yourself. Instead, determine that you’ll just do what you can when you can do it. If there’s something you absolutely need to do, start earlier than you usually would and break it up into chunks. That way, you only have to put up with it for a certain amount of time before you get a break.
Protecting Your Mental Health During the Holidays
While mental health and the holidays don’t always blend well, you can take steps to protect your peace during the holidays. Whether you want to get a therapist or take some time to yourself, taking time to invest in your well-being will make your Christmas season even more merry, no matter what you’re facing.
*Please note that this is not a substitute for professional treatment and is intended for educational purposes only. Please see a doctor or mental health professional for individualized advice and before making any changes to your life based on this article.
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