Some people may experience negative emotions like anxiety, depression, and discomfort. Others may have lost a loved one and feel a deep sense of loss. Many will not celebrate Christmas and may feel their religious celebrations are forgotten or of lesser importance. Ultimately, it’s a season for consideration and compassion to ensure all feel comfortable. But what does that look like?
How Christmas can impact mental health
Each year, December can hit us unexpectedly. Even before we get a chance to take a breath after Halloween, our local shopping centres are permeated with Christmas paraphernalia. It’s a season often dubbed “the most wonderful time of the year.” But for many, it’s simply not.
According to Mind UK, Christmas can affect your mental health in a number of ways. For some, your schedule is bombarded with events – often out of nowhere – and overcoming social anxiety can become overwhelming. The view and expectations of a perfect Christmas can create unnecessary pressure and resentment. You may feel pressured to buy opulent and lavish gifts that will drain you financially. The list goes on.
Mind UK says some reasons you may experience mental health issues during this time of year can include:
- Financial worries;
- Loss of a loved one;
- Loneliness;
- Relationship breakdowns;
- And more.
If you celebrate Christmas, how can you protect your mental health?
Caring for your mental wellbeing is paramount during this time of year. Overcoming challenging emotions and scenarios can seem daunting, but there are some little steps Health Direct Australia say you can take to make the season more tolerable:
- Look after your finances. If you’re under financial pressure, create a budget, be honest and tell others that you can’t afford expensive gifts this year, and stick to your means. Take a look at our other article on navigating Christmas financial pressures.
- Protect yourself against potential family conflict. Avoid topics that might engender conflict or differing opinions, such as religion and politics. If there’s tension between you and a family member, try to put it to one side and focus on others around you with stronger connections. Finally, engage in fun activities that divert attention away from conflict and tension (such as backyard cricket).
- Build the Christmas you want and find your crowd. If you’re estranged from your family, grieving the loss of a loved one, or not in the festive spirit, build the day you want. If you’d prefer to curl up on the sofa with a book, there’s nothing wrong with that. You could also build a tradition with friends whereby you all gather for dinner. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so build the festive season you want and will enjoy!
Loneliness during the festive season
A significant issue on a global scale is loneliness. According to Health Direct Australia and the Ending Loneliness Together Initiative, 1 in 3 Aussies are lonely. Currently considered a global ‘public health concern’ by WHO, loneliness can be compounded by the festive season, which is saturated with togetherness and connectedness.
But there are ways you can try to minimise your feelings of loneliness during this season. One consideration is volunteering; maybe head to your local homeless shelter or food bank and offer your time. You could also attend an event or reach out to an old friend—you never know what might happen.
Being Considerate of religious views during the festive period
An often-overlooked element of the festive period is the fact that not everyone celebrates or recognises Christmas. Traditionally observed as a time to celebrate the birth of Christ, Christmas is celebrated by many religions, such as Christianity, Catholicism, and Buddhism. Many atheist, secular, and agnostic people may also partake in Christmas celebrations.
However, many religions do not and may have a special day of their own during this period. Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and many more fall around the November, December, and January period. Yet, our shopping centres are adorned with Christmas trees and bright, sparkly stars.
There can also be a sense of lost identity during this time, as people may feel their religious beliefs are lesser than those of others. So, during this time of year, it’s important that we give consideration to other people’s traditions, religions, and holidays. After all, it’s not just about Christmas!
If you’d like to learn more, take a listen to our podcast on mental health during the holiday period…
Finding the positives & showing self-love
While there are challenges during this period, there might also be some positive aspects that you might be able to look at. This time of year is encompassed in togetherness and connection, so reach out to your loved ones and enjoy the break ahead. Create a routine, practise self-care, and focus on the things you enjoy throughout the year.
If you are feeling stressed, try a breathing exercise. You could also try the 5,4,3,2,1 sensory exercise: five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This exercise aims to ground you, reduce anxiety, relieve moments of stress, and clear your mind. So, if the dinner table is becoming overwhelming or you’re struggling with the social aspect of gathering with family, give this exercise a go!
Remember: there are many positives during this time of year, so try to focus on what’s enjoyable and seek support if you’re struggling. Here’s how…
Support is always available
If you need support during the holiday season, seek out your GP or speak to a psychologist. Alternatively, contact your workplace EAP. If it’s Converge, our mental health and wellbeing experts are available to provide care anytime, anywhere. So please don’t think you’re alone; we’re always here to support you!
