The Emotions of the Holiday Season
We hear the musical sounds and See the Lights of the Holiday Season.
Hanukkah: "I Have a Little Dreydl, Ma Navu, Hatikva
Christmas: Jingle Bells, Silent Night, We Wish You a Merry Christmas."
Yes, it's that time in December when people get ready to celebrate Hanukah and Christmas. Logic says it's a joyous time of year, but that does not apply to everyone.
Social, political, economic, and international factors affect the holidays this year, making them more challenging.
The economic challenges of inflation, low salaries, and unemployment have made the holiday season more difficult for many people this year. With prices for goods and services continuously rising, many households are experiencing declining purchasing power, making it harder to afford the things they want or need for the holidays. The high cost of holiday-related expenses, such as gifts, decorations, and food, can amplify the financial stress and uncertainty experienced by individuals and families struggling to make ends meet.
The impact of these economic challenges extends beyond the immediate financial strain. They can also hurt people's mental and emotional well-being, creating a sense of hopelessness and despair.
The rash of violent incidents, such as mass shootings, has a significant impact on people's mental and emotional well-being. Violent incidents and mass shootings have a profound and lasting impact on people's mental and emotional health. The effect can be especially poignant during the holiday season. This time of year, often characterized by joy, family gatherings, and celebration, contrasts with the grief and trauma of such tragedies, making their impact more acute and complex.
The trauma experienced by survivors, witnesses, and even those exposed to these events through the media is profound. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, including flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event, can be more pronounced during the holidays. The festive atmosphere that others enjoy can exacerbate the feelings of sorrow and isolation for those grieving the loss of loved ones in such incidents.
The general sense of fear and anxiety is also heightened. The holiday season typically involves more public gatherings, which can increase anxiety about the potential for similar violent events. This fear is causing many people to avoid places and events they would typically enjoy, affecting their social interactions and overall holiday experience.
Children and adolescents are susceptible to the psychological effects of violence. The holiday season, which should be a time of safety and joy for them, can instead become a period of fear, anxiety, and confusion. Parents and caregivers face the challenge of explaining these events while maintaining a sense of normalcy and security.
Political divisions and polarization in many countries have caused wars in Israel and Ukraine. These divisions affect family gatherings and conversations, making it challenging to navigate discussions and maintain harmony during the holidays. Those with relatives and loved ones in war-torn parts of the world are incredibly stressed and worried about their relatives.
In the United States, political bickering between Democrats and Republicans has caused stress and even political fatigue among people nationwide.
The increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, such as wildfires, hurricanes, and floods, can disrupt holiday plans and cause distress for those affected. Climate change-related challenges can also affect the availability and affordability of certain holiday traditions and products.
Old movies are broadcast on TV depicting Christmas's family and community solidarity. So why is it that many people become depressed during this time of year despite all the hype about cheerfulness?
A steady stream of advertising with fathers, mothers, and children cheerfully shopping, smiling, and meeting Santa Claus portrays an ideal life that does not exist in the real world.
During the holidays, there is a risk of depression, loneliness, and anxiety. Indulging in overeating, over-partying, and drinking too much puts themselves at risk. Alcohol consumption interferes with sleep and either causes or increases feelings of depression. Overeating can lead to weight gain and health problems.
Perhaps one of the most significant risk factors for holiday depression has to do with expectations. People who approach this time of year hoping to purchase the perfect gift for everyone are setting themselves up for significant frustration. I hear so many people complain about the burden of shopping for others and worry that they will be disappointed with what they get.
After all the celebrating and gift-giving, people face enormous debts that they must repay to credit companies. When the bills pour in after the holidays, many people experience resentment and worry about the amount they spent and how they will manage to pay off the bills.
Those people who have suffered the loss of loved ones, especially during the previous year, experience increased sadness during the holidays. Nostalgic memories of and yearnings for the lost loved one make the holidays especially hard for those who are mourning.
Older adults whose children moved to other parts of the country and whose spouses have died face increased feelings of loneliness, abandonment, and sadness during the holidays. Sometimes, this population of people is at risk of self-medicating their depression by drinking alone.
The holiday season often brings together family members and friends with various political beliefs. But, in today's polarized political climate, political discussions can quickly become heated and lead to conflict. Differences in opinion can strain relationships and create a tense atmosphere. The stress of the holiday season can make individuals more likely to engage in such discussions as venting, further increasing the potential for conflict leading to violence, especially under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
To manage these additional stressors, setting boundaries ahead of time can be helpful. This might include limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding the use of drugs, or agreeing to avoid political discussions during holiday gatherings.
I wish everyone a happy and healthy Holiday Season.
Please remember that I am available for anyone who may experience holiday blues.