Category / Holiday Season / Self-Development

The holiday season can be a time of joy, but for many, it can also be a source of loneliness, stress, anxiety and depression. This is relevant to many seasonal holidays, including Easter and the summer holidays, but it is perhaps particularly relevant at Christmas when there is a social expectation of community and familial closeness.

If you are on your own, or if you feel disconnected from your family, those expectations can amplify your negative feelings and leave you feeling even more isolated. Coping with loneliness is a year-round struggle, but during the Christmas holiday season, you may feel more isolated and it can feel harder to reach out or ask for help.

Anyone can feel stressed about seasonal events spent with other people. Perhaps you have a large household to cook a meal for, or you are worried about having enough money for presents. Perhaps you are anxious about spending time with family or have Covid anxiety about travel, large groups, or elderly relatives.

You are not alone. In this section, you will find articles relating to the particular stresses of the holiday season, and links to support if you find the holidays hard.