The Holidays are Hard for Some of Us

The holidays can be a tough time for people who are feeling down. It's easy to feel like you're a Grinch when you're not feeling the holiday cheer. But not everyone wants to deck the halls and sing fa-la-la-la-la. Some people experience the holiday blues every year due to bad memories or past experiences that they haven't dealt with. Others may be struggling with the stress of the season, or with recent misfortune such as a breakup or job loss. And for people dealing with depression, the holidays can be a difficult time when their demons don't take a break just because Santa is coming to town.

It's important to remember that life doesn't stop happening to people just because it's the holiday season. Life can be messy and real, and we need to make room in our hearts to understand that some people are dealing with a lot this time of year. One of the worst things we can do to someone who is hurting is to tell them how they should feel. This invalidates their experience and doesn't allow them to authentically express their emotions. Telling someone not to feel down because it's Christmas can make them feel like their feelings are arbitrary or unimportant. It can also serve as a painful reminder of all the things that aren't going their way.

If you have someone in your life who is dealing with emotional pain or psychological issues, it's important to be extra understanding of what they're going through during the holidays. This is a time of year about giving, so give these people the respect and freedom to feel the way they authentically feel. Try to be there for them and support them in any way you can. This may involve listening to them, offering comfort and reassurance, or simply being present for them. Be respectful of their boundaries and don't try to push them to feel a certain way. Remember that everyone's experiences and emotions are valid, and we should be compassionate and understanding of others who may be struggling during the holidays.

If someone expresses feeling lonely during the holidays, showing up for them could be as simple as saying something like, "It's okay to feel lonely during the holidays. You don't have to pretend to be happy if you're not. I'm here to listen and offer my support."