The holiday season can mean a lot of things to different people. Some may think about joy, time with the family, and just happiness in general. Others may not have such a positive experience with the holidays. Both feelings are valid and are okay for someone to have. If someone has a positive experience with the holidays and tends to feel great during this time of the year, then they may not have a hard of a time as others who tend to feel lonely during these days.
On top of the general feeling of being lonely, our country is still pushing through a pandemic. The pandemic could be preventing families from gathering like they used to. There are video calls, zooms, and other alternatives it still may not be enough for those who cannot physically be with their loved ones.
Therapists at the Youth Crisis Center believe there are ways to get through the last hump of this holiday season even if you’re feeling lonely.
Stay Busy
Carl Keller, a Family Link Therapist says it’s best to stay busy during this time. This necessarily doesn’t mean to keep yourself busy by adding more work to your plate. You can pick up a new hobby, exercise, or do something else that keeps you busy and makes you happy. Keeping yourself busy could help you with keeping your mind off of negative thoughts. These activities could also serve as healthy coping skills when times get tough. It’s recommended to find things that are healthy for you that you can focus on in lieu of engaging in negative behaviors or habits.
Get Out
If it’s safe to do so for you, Keller recommends getting out of the house. It doesn’t matter if it’s the holidays or not, staying inside all day may not completely beneficial to your mental health. Staying cooped up inside could play a role in why you may be feeling lonely. Some people tend to deal with FOMO (fear of missing out), add a pandemic all year round including the holidays that feeling could skyrocket. If it’s safe to do so, you can go for a walk or even a run. Keller suggests visiting friends, going to church, or even spending some time volunteering. He says it could be helpful to surround yourself with others who may have the same feelings as you so you can help each other not feel as lonely.
Get Help
The Youth Crisis Center has staff standing by and trained to take your call if you or someone else is dealing with a crisis. There is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to seeking help for your mental health. Whether it’s a family friend or a therapist, it could be beneficial to talk to someone during this difficult time for you.
Youth Crisis Center’s Outpatient Behavioral Health Program
The Youth Crisis Center was founded in 1974 as Florida’s first run-away program and has grown to be one of the largest and best-known providers of services for youth and families. Nationally recognized as setting a standard in youth services, YCC has been ranked as one of the top five programs in the United States by the Youth Policy Institute in Washington D.C. Throughout the past 46 years, YCC has helped thousands of youth and their families overcome adversity and build stronger relationships.
One of the several programs, YCC offers is Outpatient Behavioral Health. This program provides comprehensive mental health and psychiatric care to kids as young as three and their families. Parents may also receive individual and family counseling regardless if their child is a client at YCC.
