This time of year can be full of joy for many people. The holidays can bring time with family, special experiences, and also traditions that may be held close to our hearts. However, for many other people these same things can also contribute to high levels of stress, anxiety, and even depression. Not everyone associates the holidays with happy times and it can be especially hard during this time of year for those with difficult family lives.
I should be happy, but I’m not
A lot of people have a hard time this time of year. There is financial stress from the obligation to purchase gifts, family stress, and some people just do not have anyone to spend the holidays with. If you are unhappy during the holidays, it could be a good time to step back and really examine what is contributing to those negative feelings. It could be that this is a good year to buy fewer gifts, put up more boundaries, or spend time with the people who make you feel good. These things are all easier said than done, of course, but that is where working with a therapist can help.
My family is hard to be around
Sometimes, being around family can be difficult. This can result from previous trauma, current conflict, or a combination of both. If people in your family do not make you feel good, it can be hard to spend extended amounts of time with them this time of year. It can be helpful to set boundaries. Maybe you don’t feel like you can skip the holidays entirely, but you do get to dictate how long you stay somewhere or whether you interact with specific people. Make sure to take breaks, work on grounding yourself, and take care of your mental health. It’s not always easy to be in these situations, but trying to find some way to control the situation can help.
I don’t have a family to be around
If your family is estranged, this time of year can hit especially hard. We are given so many messages about happy families, joy, and spending time with loved ones which can result in feeling even more isolated than usual. This may be a good opportunity to reframe what the holidays mean for you. Maybe you can focus on friends or “chosen” family or to your community. It is also possible to build your own traditions at home where you feel safe and cared for by yourself.
We can help
At Compassionate Counseling Company, our team of skilled, client-centered clinicians is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, empowering space where you can explore, heal, and grow. If you are ready to take the next step, we would be honored to support you. You can complete a referral or reach out to our administrative team at 774-218-5440 or info@compassionatecounselingcompany.com with questions.
