Christmas Holidays Can Be Hard For Some People
Holidays are a time of joy. You see people happy, excited, hopeful, and overworked with gatherings. These are hopefully the holidays you all experience. Unfortunately, it can be an exceptionally challenging period for some people. This year has been super hard for most of us. In fact, I’m writing this article because I noticed we get so worked up in the holidays that we forget to notice those around us who are going through hard times. I’m no mental health expert. I went through difficult times myself and it’s why I am keen on sharing some thoughts in the hope it will help someone else. I’m just a minuscule being who’s trying to understand the amplitude of emotions we’re all going through. Sometimes, letting someone know you are aware of what they’re going through is enough to make them feel better. So keep an eye out for:
- Those Going Through Anxiety or Depression: We all go through difficult times. A relationship struggle, loss, work stress, family issues, financial problems, frightening world events, being away from your family due to pandemic restrictions, and the list goes on. Whatever the reason, a lot of people go through the holidays with a heavy heart and a troubled mind. And since it’s the holidays, they feel it’s inappropriate to vent or share their morose attitude with those feeling festive. However, struggling in silence is the worst! So if you have doubts, send a message, make a call just to say “hey, Christmas or not, I’m here for you if you need me”.
- Those Who Are Grieving: So many families lost members to COVID-19, to the August 4 criminal explosion in Beirut, or to other painful reasons. Losing someone dear is the hardest thing to ever accept or deal with, let alone during the holidays. No one can really understand this kind of pain other than those who experience it. Meaning well, people might say: “You’ll slowly accept and get over it. You gotta pick yourself up and go on with your life”. But can we really “accept” the loss of someone? I don’t think we can ever find loss “acceptable”. It makes us angry. It makes us snap at the unfairness of life. Why is it that the most beautiful people go? The ones we love most. If you are grieving, I wish I had answers to ease your pain, but there are things so much bigger than us that we can’t fully understand. What I can say is, I’m here for you.
- Those Who Are Struggling to Put Bread on The Table: The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic threatened the well-being of families across the world. Lebanon in particular was already facing the worst economic situation even before getting hit with the pandemic wave. Unemployment rates rose, and so did poverty, all within one year. Consequently, it became harder for people to provide for their families. If that is not a reason to stress additionally during the holidays, I don’t know what is. Not being able to prepare a decent dinner, bring gifts for your children, or feel the joy of Christmas at all is enough to bring anyone down.
What You Can Do
To those who feel lonely, heartbroken, angry or anxious these holidays, I hope you consider what i’m about to share with you. Nothing ever remains the same. Stay hopeful and have faith that things get better. Meanwhile, all I ask of you are small steps. You might not even want to get off your couch today, but just read through and consider trying one step a time.
Take One Day At A Time
I imagine you are in no mindset to neither make plans even for the next day nor go about mundane tasks you’re usually up to. But hey, you don’t have to. We get over anxiety, heartbreaks, or loss, by taking small steps at a time. Do not pressure yourself. Take the time you need to let those emotions out, grieve, and get your mind around the new situation you’re going through. Looking at the big picture, it might feel like a huge mountain path that’s impossible to climb. So instead, look at it as steps in a warm-colored staircase. You might take one small step a day, but you will eventually move forward.
Surround Yourself with Friends & Family Members
You definitely need time alone to clear your mind and heart. But believe me when I say, even when you’re in no mood to be around people, try, just a bit. The smallest interaction or communication will help you change your mood. So, if today you don’t feel like it, try again tomorrow or the day after. And if someone reaches out to you, let them. You might talk about what you’re going through or about any other thing. It won’t make you forget your hardship, but spending time with people who make you feel loved warms your heart and gives you strength.
Take The Help
If your friends or family members reach out to you, accept the help. Now is the time to lean on the people who care about you. If they ask you if you need anything, be honest and ask for whatever it is you need. People often want to help but don’t know how so they tell you they’re here for you whatever you might need. Whether it’s a shoulder to cry on, someone to talk to, or just someone to hang out with, tell them what you need. It’s easier to go through anxiety, sadness, or grief together.
Maintain Your Hobbies & Interests
We find comfort in our routines and in the activities that we usually do. So, despite the challenges you’re experiencing, try to maintain or get back to the activities that bring you joy. I personally find exercising impossible when I’m upset. So I found relief in drawing doodles or stitching (anything that takes time and detail makes me feel less stressed). Believe me, try to pour the energy, anger, stress you are feeling into a hobby or activity which will help you feel better.
Look After Your Physical Health
When you feel physically well, you’ll be much more able to cope emotionally with any situation. I know firsthand how stress can lead to heavy fatigue. As insignificant as you might think of what I’m about to suggest, now is the time to get enough sleep, eat right, and exercise. Most of us tend to skip meals, ignore exercise, sleep late, or even spend sleepless nights when anxious. I know I do! Just don’t be too hard on yourself. Try every day a little more. Even if it’s simply going for a walk, do it. Being physically comfortable helps you cope with your emotions better. I learned it the hard way.
Draw Comfort From Your Faith
After all, it’s important we don’t forget the reason for the season. Christmas is a Holy time. It’s the celebration of life here or our loved ones’ in heaven. You can always draw comfort from your faith. Pray with all your heart, and remember we are never really alone.
Lord, I pray you put into the hearts of everyone reading this and everyone going through hard times, the peace they desperately seek and which you alone can give to them. Mend the broken hearts, heal those in pain, give strength to those who feel weak, hope to those who feel desperate, and love to those who feel lonely. Amen
To you reading this, I hope you know you are not alone. And if you happen to have no one close to talk to, reach out to support groups who are always ready to help. I personally give a big shoutout to Embrace, a Lebanese NGO dedicated to mental health awareness. They are doing an amazing job supporting anyone going through difficult times. Mental health should always be our priority. It’s never taboo and never wrong to seek mental health support. Embrace’s biggest accomplishment is the launch of their National Lifeline (1564), the national emotional support and suicide prevention helpline. So If you feel what you’re going through is complicated, or if you simply have no one to talk to, give them a call.
One small step at a time, you will get there.
