Six signs you may be struggling around the holidays – and what you can do about it.
Elvis once sang about feeling blue at Christmas time—and we’re here to tell you: It’s perfectly normal to feel that way.
There are a variety of reasons why your days may not be merry and bright around the holiday season. It can be the jam-packed social calendar, deadlines at work, the loss of a loved one, sunless winter days, or all of the above.
According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season, which can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. The reasons include lack of time, financial pressure, gift-giving, and family gatherings. It can be hard to notice you’re feeling blue when you’re so busy.
6 Signs You May Be Struggling Around the Holidays – and what you can do about it
1. You’re Lacking the “Holiday Spirit”
Being surrounded by cheerfulness can be awful when you don’t feel the same level of enthusiasm as others.
The pressure to be social, happy, and present can make it difficult to speak up if you don’t feel the same way. You may also feel left out if your spiritual traditions aren’t the ones on display this time of year.
What You Can Do About It
- Acknowledge feelings that aren’t joyful and remember that you are not alone in feeling this way.
- Avoid numbing or avoiding feelings with alcohol or other substances, which worsen anxiety and depression.
- Think about what triggers your holiday angst. Memories, stressful patterns that seem to occur every holiday, or potential new crises are common triggers. Finding out why you become anxious or sad around the holidays makes it easier to navigate the rest of the season.
2. You’re Overwhelmed by Grief and Loss
If you are living with grief, loss, trauma, or loneliness, it can be easy to compare your situation to others’ – increasing feelings of loneliness or sadness. Take time to check in with yourself and have realistic expectations for how the holiday season will be.
What You Can Do About It
- If holiday observances seem inauthentic right now, you do not need to force yourself to celebrate.
- During this time, connect with and plan to check in with a support group, a therapist, a faith community, or friends who understand.
- Let your loved ones know how they can support you, whether it’s helping you with shopping or meeting up for a regular walk. Often, people want to help but don’t know what to say or where to start.
3. You’re Feeling Pressured to Participate in Activities—and Want No Part of Them
We all have our own personal history with holidays. We dream about the ways the holidays are supposed to be, which can be a dangerous perspective. We get caught up in wanting to do it all, but we can aim to set more realistic expectations for ourselves and others.
What You Can Do About It
- Accept your limitations and be patient with others, too.
- Try to see others’ points of view and recognize that we’re all feeling at least a little stressed.
- Prioritize the most important activities or schedule get-togethers for after the holidays. If you feel overwhelmed by social obligations and what others are asking of you, learn how to be comfortable saying “no.”
- Expectations of celebrating holidays in a specific way can bring up old trauma or family conflicts. For self-care, consider outlining your plan for the season — and be sure to schedule time to take care of yourself.
- Regardless of your plans, it can be helpful to communicate intentions to friends and family early in the holiday season, so everyone knows what to expect.
4. You’re Stressed About Giving Gifts
It’s very common to get caught up in the commercialization and marketing of the holidays. We can feel stressed about spending on a strained budget or trying to find just the right gift.
Giving to others is not about spending money. Set realistic expectations by keeping a budget and being transparent.
What You Can Do About It
- Consider how much money you can comfortably spend and stick to the amount. If buying gifts for everyone is difficult, consider having a Secret Santa exchange to reduce the number of items everyone needs to buy. You can also simply let people know you are unable to give gifts this year.
- You can also give the gift of helping a neighbor, a friend, a family member, or a stranger. It’s the act of giving that is more important than a present. Our generosity can be a gift to ourselves, because when we focus on others and less on ourselves, we tend to reduce our anxiety.
5. You’re Alone or Feeling Isolated
While it’s true that many of us have friends and family to connect with during the holiday season, there’s also the danger of becoming isolated. If you are prone to depression or anxiety, it can be especially hard to reach out to others.
What To Do About It
- Remind yourself of the people, places, and things that make you feel happy. Consider scheduling a regular call or video chat with friends so you don’t have to think twice about making the effort.
- Take advantage of other ways to connect, including sending out holiday cards and communicating with family and friends by phone, text, email, and social media.
- Calming activities, such as reading, meditating, and gratitude journaling, can be helpful if you don’t feel comfortable in social situations.
- Don’t forget about self-care. We know the importance of a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and plenty of sleep, but because there are so many distractions and stressors this time of year, we lose sight of some of the basic necessities. We need to take care of ourselves and pay increased attention to ensuring we fulfill these areas of our lives as we get closer to the holidays.
GE Appliances is powered by people, so we want to empower you and your family with confidential benefits and services to support your mental health and wellbeing at little to no cost to you.
Check out:
             GEAppliancesWellWithin.com for links to the benefits available to you
CareATC is available at Appliance Park and Roper for in person counseling and hourly employees can use ON-THE-CLOCK care for up to four visits a year without clocking out
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for in-person and virtual counseling options
             Fidelity can help with budgeting now and with financial planning for the future
             Pelago offers free digital alcohol and substance use support
             Y @ Work Fitness Center at Appliance Park