Many people look forward to the holiday season, as it is a time full of love, excitement, and social connection for them. However, it is common for some to experience significant loneliness during this time of year. The pressure of being with family or connecting with loved ones may push those who view themselves as being alone to become more isolated. Individuals who are surrounded by family members may also feel lonely, despite the physical presence of others due to emotional difficulties or feeling misunderstood by others. It is also important to note that the holidays may bring up past negative memories or may even rehash past family conflict, which is difficult for many to deal with. Memories from previous holiday gatherings may also affect relationships given that old wounds or unresolved conflicts are often rehashed when family members come together, resulting in anger, sadness, and hurt feelings.
In order to cope in an effective manner with loneliness over the holidays, one must take action and be honest about how they feel. For example, declining invitations to events that may likely trigger a negative reaction may be best. It is important to seek positive company, such as having lunch or coffee with a friend or joining a sports team, as participating in positive activities will create a distraction from the negative thoughts and will help decrease the overall feeling of loneliness. Additionally, to prevent comparisons or setting unrealistic expectations, it may be best to limit access to social media if you are experiencing significant loneliness this holiday season. The unrealistic expectations that social media can set could lead to overall dissatisfaction with oneself and can contribute to a self-defeating cycle. This self-defeating cycle could also lead to a lack of self-care and you may notice that you are not sleeping enough, not eating enough, or overeating. Being active, engaging in exercise, and maintaining a schedule could help improve overall mood and confidence during difficult periods.
Lastly, meeting with a qualified psychologist can help individuals effectively cope with loneliness over the holidays. Contact the Miami Psychology Group if you are interested in individual and/or family therapy services.