Mental health affects everyone. Christmas can cause emotions to be heightened, both positively and negatively. Some get stressed and get depressed, others are happy and excited.
Some can feel down around the holidays due to loss. This makes the holidays feel more sad.
“If someone is dealing with the loss of a loved one, this can make the holidays more difficult. When families gather together and a loved one is no longer there, it can bring up feelings of grief, sadness, and loneliness,” Sarah Oja, Brunswick County Early College Psychologist explains.
Holidays and the new year is a time where most people celebrate and enjoy time with family. Sometimes, though, that is not
the case and sometimes people can actually get worse mentally.
“Christmas is traditionally a time of celebration, eating, drinking, spending time with family and friends, and generally enjoying the festive spirit. However, for those who struggle with a mental health condition, the yuletide season can be an especially difficult time.” States the website Priory.
Some individuals can suffer from social anxiety around family and get tense, due to having family problems or certain situations in which they were not treated the best. Some are not happy about their family and friends that they choose to spend the holidays with.
“However, it does not always work like that. Many people have toxic or dysfunctional families who can make the holidays a time to endure rather than a time to celebrate.” The website The Khiron Clinic says.
Unlike before, the holidays can also be a wonderful time for family and friends. Lots of people enjoy the company of family and really love to spend time with them. Some folks enjoy the warm feeling they get around and even before Christmas.
“Yeah, yep it’s Christmas time I definitely am in a better mood,” says Freshman David Gundrum.
Not only do people love family and friends but they also love the traditions they have during the holidays. That could be putting a tree up or decorating the house for the holidays. Students certainly do enjoy that nice warm feeling they get around holidays.
Loss of loved ones is difficult and very hard to cope with; nevertheless you can cope using some tips that Oja lists.
“When you are grieving the loss of a loved one, think about your happy memories. You may choose to continue traditions that honor your loved one.”
Many can feel very lost when not having a loved one for the holidays. It is important to take care of yourself and allow yourself to move forward after grieving.
“Self-care is important. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and making healthy choices,” Oja says.
Many students of BCECHS are feeling good for the most part. They explain how they are more positive towards the holidays.
“Oh mostly joy, happiness, typical things, I just get nostalgic,” says Senior Mia Cicatello.
“I feel Christmas,” Freshman Makenzy Frink exclaims.
Teens who have traumatic experiences and things that have happened to them in the past seem to find it a lot harder to have fun during the holidays. People get anxious and a little depressed. They see the good things other people get and remember their not so good childhood.
“There was lots of abuse especially around the holiday season so when it comes to present day and I see and I hear people enjoying Christmas and the holidays I look back at what I had and remember that I didn’t get to have a “normal” childhood holiday experience like most did,” says Junior Yazmine FrancoSantana.
“I just remember the times when I was little when life was more happy,” says Freshman Olivia Calison.
Some people also feel that the weather plays a role in their mental health and that the environment can definitely have a big effect on individuals.
Freshman Olive Price thinks that it definitely is the weather. “I mean I think the weather has a big effect on it.”
Many are not getting the help they need and many who do not have issues also recognize that.
Like Freshman Corbin Lizewski says, “It really depends on the background and what and how caring some of their families can be. For me when I had a difficult time and my family noticed they got me into therapy and it really helped.”
Many students have differing opinions about what age group has it worse.
Senior Angel Deras-Alvarado states that “kids, they have it worse because they don’t get what they want and are entitled.”
In contrast Senior Mia Cicatello states “Probably the adults, with children so I guess with pressure.”
Freshman Olive Price thinks that “low teenagers to mid teenagers” have it the worst.
Lots of negative and positive situations happen during christmas time and these problems can get in the way of mental health, but it is always good to take a step back and enjoy what is already there. Some people do not have it as well as others and it is important to help out and support the persons in need no matter what they may need help with.
“Social support is an important tool in treatment and recovery from mental illness and substance use disorders. Simply checking in with someone can be enough to keep the worst symptoms at bay. A quick text, a call, or an in-person visit if you can do so safely will help your loved one feel cared about and supported. It may be enough to reassure them that they are not alone and that others do care about how they are faring at this time of year,” says the website Bright Quest.
Many people like the holidays but those who do not usually have good reasons not to, whether that is loss or whether that is trauma. People can go through a lot of problematic situations during the holidays.
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