Introduction

In this article, we talk about loneliness during the holidays and accessing Christmas Depression Counselling (1). As Christmas nears, difficult emotions often surface. Those of us who are alone during Christmas may find ourselves feeling lonely and sad (2). Society often depicts Christmas as a time of togetherness, with family gatherings at its heart. For someone lacking support, feelings of exclusion could lead to experiencing isolation (3).

When to ask for Christmas Depression Counselling

1. Personal Experiences during Christmas time: Though studies indicate that psychiatric emergencies don’t always spike during the holidays, countless personal accounts underscore the difficulty of this period. For those of us getting on in years, the Christmas season can trigger grief over lost loved ones or feelings of despair heightened by distance from family and friends (4).
2. Media’s idealised images of holiday cheer can amplify these feelings: When making unrealistic comparisons to others on social media, unhealthy coping mechanisms are widespread.  Almost 40% of stressed adults withdraw, which only deepens the cycle of depression. There’s substantial evidence that many people feel more vulnerable during the Christmas season as a result of unhealthy comparisons (5).
3. Examples of Holiday Anxiety: On one hand, an elderly widow could be reminiscing about her younger years. On the other hand, a young professional in a new city could be scrolling through friends’ holiday posts that include happy faces and togetherness. These examples highlight the challenges people could face. Research links holiday “blues” to situational depression, where the pressure to conform to Christmas holiday ideals can trigger sadness and anxiety (4, 10).

   Furthermore, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) adds another layer of difficulty. The absence of sunlight can amplify emotions like sadness and depression. The expectation to be upbeat may drive some to find solace in alcohol or other unhealthy habits, highlighting the importance of self-kindness (6).

Finding Ways to Cope: With Online Christmas Depression Counselling

At Best Online Therapy, we suggest reaching out to others, whether through video chats or small get-togethers. Catching up with others can significantly reduce feelings of isolation. Putting limits in place, such as cutting back on social media, can also help reduce feelings of envy and sadness. You can also do simple things, such as going out for a walk, journaling, or simply helping someone out. This can rekindle a sense of purpose and happiness. Studies suggest that reframing loneliness as a chance for self-improvement, coupled with mindfulness practices, can be quite beneficial (7, 8) .

A GP is always a good first port of call, as they can signpost you towards more specialist services if necessary. Otherwise, if you are sure you’d like to see a mental health professional, consider making an appointment to see a psychologist (9).

When feelings of isolation persist, it could be helpful to reach out to a professional for help, such as online Christmas Depression Counselling. It’s about transforming feelings of solitude into finding inner strength. Keep in mind, you’re not the only one; many people experience holiday loneliness. With compassion for ourselves and others, we can work through difficult times and discover a renewed sense of hope and peace (10). Find out more about affordable online counselling here.