Challenges of the Holiday Season: Common Struggles and How to Manage
We all have mixed emotions when it comes to the holidays. Sometimes we feel it comes on too fast and we aren’t prepared. Additionally, our country is in such chaos at this time that celebrating the holidays can often bring about feelings of guilt and shame. This post is focused on five challenges you may be facing this holiday season.
The holidays are supposed to be a wonderful time of year when everyone temporarily changes for the better. We reach out a bit more and engage with others, connecting with neighbors and co-workers. The season brings a sense of joy and wonder. Seeing Christmas lights and holiday decorations can often lift your spirits even for a moment. However, not everyone feels this way about the holidays. There are those experiencing marginalization/discrimination, racism, inequality, homelessness, mental illness, poverty and other challenges that continue through the holidays. Even if you don’t find yourself falling into one of these categories, everyone has their own stressors to contend with. A few things you may be struggling with during this time might include:
Low income or difficulty covering bills
Many people experience the feeling of inadequacy during the holidays due to having low income. Wanting to buy things that are too expensive to afford with daily expenses is common. Try to turn this into a positive learning experience and look at this as a way to celebrate the thoughtfulness of the holidays by finding other meaningful gifts and experiences to celebrate with.
Anger, jealousy, or resentment
The holidays often include purchasing gifts and this process can be expensive. Even if you don’t know anyone purchasing expensive items, it is easy to have the thought, “Others can buy expensive things and I can’t”. Thoughts like these can lead to feeling hopeless, helpless, or insignificant. Feeling that there is no point to celebrate the holiday if you cannot buy loved ones what you want is a common feeling. However, this leads to many missing the most significant part of the holiday: faith, love, inspiration, hope, and charity.
Hopelessness and helplessness
Feeling incapable of having the holiday you want, feeling left behind because others can afford things, and struggling with being okay with minimal things can be difficult at this time for many. Set your sights on higher things (love, faith, family/friends, gratitude, the future, etc) and avoid getting sucked into feelings of failure.
Low energy, motivation, disinterest
Low energy or motivation and disinterest can all be signs of the winter blues. If you’re not careful, things can escalate further into a depression that can be difficult to shake. It’s important to reach out for therapy during this time if you find yourself really struggling. Therapists are aware of the challenges during the holiday season and are there to help.
Depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety
You may find yourself wanting to escape those in the “holiday cheer”, who seem overly positive and happy. Try to discourage yourself from letting this time (which is difficult for many) defeat you. Consider your support system, healthy coping strategies and surround yourself with people who are balanced. If your symptoms are progressing seek a medical consultation. Click here to get information about working with a therapist.