Why Do I Feel Loneliness During the Holidays?

It can be difficult to understand why we feel the way we do. However, once the root cause of negative emotions is identified, you can find ways to deal with feeling lonely during the holidays. There are many common reasons for this problem, but here are a few of the most common. 

Comparing Yourself to Others

Maybe your holiday decorations are lackluster. Perhaps your cooking doesn’t compete with someone else. Or, maybe you’re worried you can’t give as much as you’d like. It could also be that other families seem more organized, or happier, or you can’t help but swoon over those Hallmark holiday romance stories. The possibilities for comparison are everywhere—and this can leave many people feeling isolated. 

Missing Family or Loved Ones

The holidays are notoriously difficult for people separated from those they love. Sometimes, it’s a matter of physical distance and travel is impossible. Sometimes, it’s emotional distance following conflict. Other times, losing a loved one makes celebrating the holidays painfully lonely. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder 

Not all reasons for feeling lonely during the holidays, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), are easy to identify. This is a form of depression that occurs during certain seasons, with winter being the most frequently associated with SAD. Some symptoms include a persistent low mood, lack of motivation, changes in sleeping and eating habits, irritability, and headaches. When experiencing these symptoms, you might isolate yourself from others and avoid holiday activities. 

How to Cope with Loneliness During the Holidays

Feeling lonely during the holidays is difficult, no matter what the reason. Thankfully, some things can be done to help make this time of year a more pleasant and meaningful experience.

It’s Okay to Feel Loneliness

Some circumstances cannot be helped, and while there are things that you can do to lessen the intensity of your loneliness, it’s okay to let yourself experience your emotions. In fact, it’s healthy for you to do so. Sit alone and let yourself feel, write your thoughts and feelings in a journal, or talk to a trusted friend or family member. 

Ignore Holiday Stereotypes

Many people have a picture-perfect idea of the holidays, and it can be difficult to measure up. Instead of trying to fit a mold that’s impossible for you, ignore these stressful stereotypes and do things your own way. When you let loose from these constraints, you might be able to enjoy connecting with people during the holidays, rather than getting so bogged down by the details that you can’t make much time for anyone. 

Find Ways to Connect

If you are physically distanced from people you love during the holidays, try finding creative ways to connect. You can go the old-fashioned route and send holiday cards and letters, or take advantage of modern technology. Arrange a video chat, schedule an online game night, stream and watch a holiday movie together, and create a shareable digital photo album. 

Practice Cultivating Gratitude

The holidays provide an opportunity to tell the important people in your life how much they mean to you, which is a great way to connect with others and combat loneliness. You can also start a gratitude journal to help you focus on what matters most during an overwhelming season. 

Stay Busy By Helping Others

Many people find the holidays difficult, and lending a hand to those in need can help combat feelings of loneliness. Find ways to reach out that complement your strengths, like volunteering at a soup kitchen, donating clothing or toys, visiting the sick or elderly, and so on. This will help you connect with people while feeling good about making the holidays a little brighter for someone else. 

Talk to a Professional Counselor 

Sometimes, coping with holiday loneliness can be difficult to do alone. If you’re struggling, then professional counseling might be able to help. This can be particularly useful if the loneliness you feel stems from seasonal depression, grief, loss, or family conflict.

Find Out About Christian Counseling in Raleigh, NC for Holiday Depression, Anxiety, and Loneliness

Sometimes, the best way to navigate loneliness during the holidays is to try several of the above methods at once. If you want to learn more about including counseling in your battle against holiday blues, contact Sojourner Counseling. Our Christian therapists in Raleigh provide counseling for depression and anxiety, including counseling for loneliness during the holidays.

The post Understanding Holiday Loneliness & Strategies for Feeling Better first appeared on Sojourner Counseling.

The post Understanding Holiday Loneliness & Strategies for Feeling Better appeared first on Sojourner Counseling.

A Prayer from Psalm 121: My Help Comes from the Lord

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
   From where does my help come?

My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;
    the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all evil;
    he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep
    your going out and your coming in
    from this time forth and forevermore.

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2).

Pray: “When trouble surrounds me, I look upward to your Holy City, a promise of your Kingdom wherein righteousness dwells forever. I thank you, God, the Emmanuel, for bringing the good things of your Kingdom to this earth through your incarnation and to my heart by your Holy Spirit. You are always with me, and you are always here to help me. You created all things, and all things are under your authority, so what do I need to fear?”

He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.  Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:3-4).

Pray: “Though I feel weak and afraid, I trust that you will make me strong. When I cry out to you, you will not sleep, but you will hear me and save me from all my fears.”

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night (Psalm 121: 5-6).

Pray: “No matter what difficulties or fears I face; you will keep me. Whether I am dealing with difficult days or sleepless nights, you will protect my peace of mind, guide my steps, and give rest to my heart.”

The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore (Psalm 121:7-8).

Pray: “When you are with me, nothing can come against me for my harm. Even difficulties are working out for my good, and I can put my faith in you. Lord, guide me in all things, increase my faith, and surround me with your perfect peace that surpasses all understanding.”

When to Use This Prayer

Prayer is one of God’s many gifts to us. Anytime you are feeling afraid, find yourself dwelling on circumstances that you cannot change, or simply need to calm your mind, this prayer might be useful to you. You can also come up with your own prayer. What comes to mind for you as you read Psalm 121? 

Do you want more tools for dealing with anxiety? Christian counseling in Raleigh, NC can help!

Anxiety is a common trouble for many people, and there is no shame in reaching out for help. If you’re interested in Christian counseling in Raleigh, NC, then Sojourner Counseling is here for you. Our Christian therapists provide a variety of proven methods for anxiety treatment, and we do so while respecting and encouraging your faith-based values. We can also provide you with guided prayers like this one that you can use anytime to restore your peace of mind whenever you are dealing with overwhelming thoughts and emotions. Reach out to us today to begin Christian counseling in Raleigh, NC!

The post Guided Prayer through Psalm 121 for the Anxious Heart first appeared on Sojourner Counseling.

The post Guided Prayer through Psalm 121 for the Anxious Heart appeared first on Sojourner Counseling.

Whether you want help talking through a difficult life choice or ongoing support from a professional who respects your Christian values, finding a trusted Christian counselor in Raleigh is a great first step toward a peaceful and fulfilling life. 

What Makes Christian Counseling for Women Different?

Whether you are married or single, a mother or not, being a woman comes with its own set of challenges. Counseling for women caters to the unique demands that women face, but traditional counseling doesn’t take a faith-based approach. Christian counseling provides the professional support that you want from a licensed therapist while respecting Christian values—and more than that—using the faith to foster real and lasting change for the better. 

When Is It Time to Get Counseling?

The decision to undergo counseling is something that you will ultimately have to make on your own. However, there are some common reasons why many women benefit from Christian counseling. If you answered yes to any of these, then it might be time to team up with a professional to get the relief that you need:

• Are you finding it difficult to rid yourself of unwanted thoughts, emotions, or behaviors?
• Do pains from the past or present make it difficult for you to do the things you need to do and want to do? 
• Are you struggling with being a Christian wife or mother?
• Have you noticed unhealthy patterns in your romantic or personal relationships? 
• Do ongoing struggles with self-image rob you of your joy in Jesus Christ?
• Would you benefit from faith-based support for dealing with concerns about your spiritual development?

Areas of Christian Counseling in Raleigh, NC for Women

Whatever troubles you are going through, there’s sure to be a professional Christian counselor who can help. There are many areas of focus available to you, all of which are geared toward women of the faith who need support from another Christian who understands what they are going through. Some areas of Christian therapy for women include:

• Anxiety and Depression 
• Marriage and Relationships
• Traumatic Experiences
• Grief and Loss
• Motherhood, Pregnancy, and Infertility
• Career Counseling
• Spirituality 

What to Expect During Christian Women’s Counseling

Every counseling journey is different, and your therapist will take the time to understand where you are coming from to help create a plan that works for you. However, there are some basics that stay the same no matter what your goals for healing might be. Key components provided by Christian counselors for women include:

• A Tailored Therapeutic Approach: Christian counselors for women are licensed professionals that offer a variety of services depending on the needs of each individual, and therapy can include a variety of techniques such as talk therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. 

• Faith-Focused Counseling: Christian counseling is faith-centered, which means that whatever method of therapy being used will incorporate Christian themes such as application of scripture and prayer. 
• Compassion That Meets You Where You Are: Your Christian counselor isn’t acting as a substitute for God, but walks alongside you in the faith to meet your challenges at a pace that is beneficial for you. This is a judgment-free space for honest reflection, guidance, and support to help you find tools for dealing with life’s challenges in a way that strengthens your relationship with God and others. 

Find Christian Counselors for Women in Raleigh

The only thing worse than going through the difficulties of life is feeling like you are doing so alone. If you want someone to walk alongside you as you work through your problems, then please don’t wait another day. Help is available, and there is always hope through faith in Jesus Christ!

Are you looking for a “Christian counselor near me” that provides faith-based counseling for women? Sojourner Counseling is a reliable choice for women searching for Christian therapists in Raleigh, NC that can help with trauma, depression, anxiety, and more. We also provide counseling for teens and children. Contact us anytime to learn more, or to schedule your initial appointment. 

The post Christian Counseling for Women: Faith Focused, Therapeutic and Compassionate Care first appeared on Sojourner Counseling.

The post Christian Counseling for Women: Faith Focused, Therapeutic and Compassionate Care appeared first on Sojourner Counseling.