Family and friends can get together from all over the world during the holidays. The social calendar and people's hearts are frequently filled to capacity by events such as office parties, family dinners, and New Year's Eve celebrations. The sad truth is that not everyone does.
During the holidays, loneliness affects millions of people. Find out what's causing your feelings of isolation during the holidays before you try any of our five suggestions.
Loneliness during vacations is not a problem in and of itself; rather, it exacerbates an existing chronic condition. Many people who live alone all year learn to get by. These coping mechanisms are ineffective in a culture that places a high value on the family, community, and socialising with others.
Everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or nationality, can experience feelings of isolation. Being by oneself, experiencing seasonal depression, or suffering a loss can all lead to feelings of loneliness.
At this time of year, many people choose to stay away from social media and instead visit a therapist. Despite this, substance abuse is fairly typical during the holiday season.
These emotions are caused by a variety of different things. The posts on social media that depict people having fun all the time contribute to the problem by reinforcing our already inflated vacation expectations. People might experience feelings of exclusion or discomfort. To use the term "factors" rather than "causes" is more accurate. Whether you are going through it yourself or know someone who is, you have the ability to make this time of year a happier one for everyone.
It is fortunate that there are many possible reasons for people to spend the holidays alone because this provides those of us who are struggling with various options. The fact that you have read this article demonstrates that you are aware of the situation. Just change it. Use these strategies to better manage your feelings throughout the holiday season and beyond.
Depression and eating disorders are directly correlated to the use of social media. They have illogical expectations for how our lives should go. Millions do. Take a moment to count your blessings and decide how you want to celebrate the holidays. If using social media causes you stress, you should think about quitting.
Helping other people while you're on vacation is a great way to have fun yourself. This kind of experience is typically rewarding and bestows upon one a sense of belonging within a community while simultaneously allowing one to take stock of their many blessings.
Put your attention on being happy and lowering your standards. Read, watch, or prepare some food. It is perfectly normal to not enjoy holiday parties or to feel down during this time of year. Give yourself permission to be who you are, and make baby steps to appreciate the life you have.