With the holiday season fully in action, many people fear going back to their “hometown reality”. Going home for the holidays can be a trigger for many people who struggle with mental health issues. While this time of year is supposed to bring “joy to the world” many people feel the opposite.
“To make matters worse, the National Alliance on Mental Illness noted that 64% of individuals living with a mental illness felt that their conditions worsened around the holidays” (McLean, 2022).
Being home can bring up memories from a dark past. Being around people who made you feel less than, in a place where you were at your lowest, or in an environment that fills you with anxiety. It is very normal to have fears of returning home for the holidays, or even just the season in general.
The holiday season is a very fast-paced time. Between the months of November and December there is no shortage of family gatherings. Holiday parties are going and shopping malls are overflowing with people. Feelings of anxiety or depression are natural. It is okay to take a step back from the overwhelming events to have some alone time to destress.
Holiday stress is a real thing! Family members are asking for updates on your life and you want to impress them by seeming on top of your endeavors. You might be feeling pressured to participate in every event happening during this time, but it is ok to say you need a break. You don’t have to fake a smile for anyone.
Another factor to mental health issues during the holiday season is seasonal depression. The clocks going back have a huge impact on us. By the time it is 5pm it is already dark out which starts to make the days seem much shorter. It is easy to feel unproductive during this time and overly tired. To help with this, try to get as much sunlight as possible. Go for a walk in your neighborhood, help your family pick out a christmas tree, wrap gifts for your loved-ones, the littlest steps will go a long way.
Try to maintain a healthy schedule. It can be hard transitioning from a very scheduled college-life to suddenly having no responsibilities. Plan out your days and things to look forward to. Help out your family, friends, or local community groups. Help with a food drive or your parents with groceries one day. It is possible to be productive during this time.
While the holiday season might make you feel lonely, there are many resources to turn to for help. Open up to those you trust, they might be more understanding than you think. If that is not possible for you, look into local resources in your community. You can also always direct messages to Sean’s House on instagram. We are here to support you. One thing for sure: you are never alone.