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.