By: Kelsey Wooten, LPC
Between Halloween and New Years it feels like a marathon of holidays filled with social events, eating/drinking, spending money, remembrance, religious gatherings, and intention setting.
Halloween
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Thanksgiving Day
National Native American Heritage Day
Hanukkah
Winter Solstice
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Kwanzaa
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Day
There is often the expectation or assumption that everyone is excited about the holiday season. That everyone is with their big happy family celebrating with fun traditions, and lots of decorations. Much like what we see in the Hallmark movies.
Depending on culture, family, and geography what holidays you celebrate may look different, but feeling othered, conflict with loved ones, stress, sadness, grief, and mental illnesses still shows up. Which can make it hard to feel like celebrating or feel cheery.
I am here to normalize this, and tell you that others are feeling it too.
There are all sorts of examples of why the holidays might be hard:
Your loved one has died (pet or person)
Someone didn’t make it due to living far away or conflicting plans
Traditions have been lost
Conflict with family around values/view points
Breakups / divorce
You’re in a new place and don’t have anyone
Songs/smells/places/people are triggers
Being sober or in recovery
Having a loved one or you yourself dealing with addiction
Depression or anxiety
Financial stress
Not being able to take off work to spend time with family
Ways to cope:
Do what you can
Show up as you are
Set boundaries
Take care of your basic needs (food, water, rest)
Take your medication
Spend mindfully
Set realistic expectations
Plan ahead
Find movement
Find meaning in what you are doing
Spend time with people who encourage you to be yourself
Honor those who are not around or have died
Tell stories
Find novelty in new experiences
Dance and sing
Find one thing you enjoy about the holidays
Join a support group
Find a therapist
If you or someone you know is feeling blue this holiday season, Sonder is now accepting new clients! Call or email today