Holiday seasons are usually the time to gather up with loved ones to spend days decorating, baking, and enjoying together. However, for many people holiday season may be a lonely time, especially this year. Citizens from all over the world are struggling with the challenge of building memories and promoting unity without spreading COVID 19, which will inevitably prevent them from celebrating with their elderly loved ones.
With evidence stating that rates of depression and anxiety have shockingly tripled in the US since the start of the pandemic, Lara Schuster Effland, LICSW, clinical director of Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Centre says, “This year especially, we’re really seeing how communication and connection is paramount.” Elderlies alone either in their own homes or in retirement communities, college students hesitant to journey back home, parents of young kids rethinking about travelling to see their family – its almost obvious why this segregation is damaging the mental health of thousands of people around the world.
As reported by The Healthline, one of the biggest predictors of depression, particularly during the holidays, is social isolation. Some individuals may have a limited social network or a lack of socialization opportunities. People who have feelings of disconnectedness at holiday time also avoid social interactions. Unfortunately, the feelings of isolation and signs of depression are also made worse by withdrawing. Such people may see other individuals spending time with friends and family and ask themselves questions “Why can’t that be me?” or “Why is everyone else so much happier than I am?’’. This track of thought was interestingly observed by a psychologist called Aaron Beck, where he proved what he called the ‘negative cognitive triad’ consisted of negative thoughts of oneself, the future and the world which consequently led to a negative consequence—mental health issues like depression.
It may seem hopeless to cope with holiday stress and depression. If you’re suffering from this, however, don’t lose hope because fortunately, there are solutions to tackle this exhausting situation.
The first and foremost step is to be able to acknowledge your feelings. Realize that it is normal to feel sadness and sorrow if someone close to you can’t take the risk of travelling to meet you. Taking time to cry or express your feelings is OK – just because it is the holiday season, you cannot force yourself to be happy.
Find new ways of celebrating together such as exchanging photos, videos or catching up on a virtual video call if your adult children or other relatives cannot come to your house. Talking about your holiday stress and sharing experiences may be very relieving as well.
Most of all, know what you are not alone. There is at least one person on earth who you mean the world to. As Guy Lafleur once said, “When trouble comes, it’s your family that supports you.” – Your family or loved ones are never going to leave you, especially during these inconspicuous times.
Written by: Shreshta Sanyal
References
Verywell Mind. 2020. Lonely During The Holidays? Here’s How To Cope. [online] Available at: <https://www.verywellmind.com/loneliness-and-the-holidays-3144645> [Accessed 24 December 2020].
Healthline. 2020. Holiday Depression: Statistics & How To Deal. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/holidays> [Accessed 24 December 2020].
Mayo Clinic. 2020. Tips For Coping With Holiday Stress. [online] Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544> [Accessed 24 December 2020].