Coping With Loneliness During the Holiday Season

Loneliness is difficult to cope with at any time of year, but it’s especially hard during the holiday season. The world tells you to be happy and joyous around the holidays, and you often see people laughing and spending time with their loved ones. This contrast can make your loneliness more apparent and harder to manage than usual.

Believe it or not, loneliness is extremely common. An APA poll from early 2024 found that 30% of adults experience loneliness in some form every week. If you’re experiencing loneliness this season, rest assured that there are plenty of ways to manage it and start feeling better.

Why Loneliness Hits Hard During the Holidays

Loneliness can occur at any time of the year, yet the holiday season tends to amplify these feelings. Several factors come into play that may intensify your sense of isolation, including:

Missing loved ones

The holiday season is often associated with family and being with those you love. Living far from family can make you miss them more deeply, especially if you don’t get to visit them due to scheduling, health, or financial conflicts.

Increased societal pressure

Part of the reason you might miss your loved ones more during the holidays is that society places significant pressure on everyone to come together. Advertisements in the media portray happy families gathered around dinner tables, and Christmas specials on TV and streaming platforms often emphasize the same themes. These depictions can remind you of your loved ones and intensify feelings of longing.

Additionally, if you don’t have close friends or family, it can be challenging to observe others attending holiday parties, visiting with their families, or participating in festive activities.

Seasonal changes that affect mood

Approximately 5% of the U.S. population experiences seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression. This condition occurs when changes in the seasons, such as reduced sunlight and colder weather, negatively impact mood.

The winter season coincides with these changes, exacerbating depressive symptoms and making feelings of loneliness seem more intense.

Practical Ways to Combat Loneliness

You don’t have to endure the entire festive season feeling low. There are practical ways to combat loneliness and bring joy back into your life. Rather than isolating yourself, consider these strategies:

Focus on personal fulfillment

Do whatever you can to seek joy and fulfillment in your daily life. For some, this may involve focusing on work and achieving specific goals. For others, it could mean taking up a new hobby or setting daily tasks to accomplish.

Utilize technology to stay connected

Embrace the beauty of modern technology and use it to stay connected with your loved ones during the holiday season. Text friends and family, schedule video calls, or simply pick up the phone to hear a loved one’s voice.

Engage in creative activities

Channel your energy into creative pursuits to distract yourself from loneliness. Bake festive treats, try drawing or painting, or start a journal to express your feelings. Keeping your mind active helps redirect focus from negative emotions.

Focus on physical health

Research shows that physical activity improves mood and reduces depressive symptoms. Exercise regularly to boost your mental and physical health, and consider joining a gym or group fitness class for additional social interaction.

Reach out to friends and family

Don’t hesitate to be vulnerable and let friends or family know when you’re feeling lonely. Building a support network can help combat these feelings. When those close to you know what you’re going through, they can be intentional about including you in their activities.

Self-Love and Reflection

Practicing gratitude and positivity can also help you navigate loneliness during the holiday season. Reflect on past positive experiences and seek joy in the small things around you. While you may feel lonely, you might still have your health, financial stability, or other aspects of life to be grateful for.

Set realistic goals for the future that help foster relationships. For instance, you might decide to visit family more often or schedule regular meetups with friends.

Consider starting new holiday traditions to alleviate future loneliness. Creating fresh routines gives you something to look forward to during the holidays, even if you’re spending them alone.

Reaching Out for Professional Support

It’s crucial to recognize when loneliness turns into something more serious, like depression or another mental health condition. If you find yourself withdrawing entirely or lacking the motivation to engage in daily activities, it may be time to seek professional help.

Therapy can provide valuable support for those who feel lonely. Talking to a mental health professional allows you to express your feelings and gain clarity on how to move forward. Joining a support group can also help by connecting you with others who share similar experiences.

Residential Mental Health Treatment Center Near Me

Loneliness is undoubtedly one of the most challenging aspects of the holiday season. However, with the right mindset and strategies, it can be overcome. Awareness of your feelings, combined with efforts to stay connected and occupied, can make a significant difference.

If your mental health challenges are overwhelming and severely impacting your life, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Contact Jackson House today for support.