As we have approached Christmas, soon it will be over, it’s easy to feel isolated. Even when surrounded by others, many people battle feelings of loneliness and depression that may not be visible to the outside world. It’s important to remember that just because someone looks fine on the surface, they might be fighting inner demons. Recognizing the signs and finding ways to manage these feelings is crucial to maintaining mental well-being.
If you’re feeling alone or depressed, know that you are not alone. Here are 20 actionable steps to help you combat these feelings:
- Connect with Loved Ones: Reach out to a friend or family member, even if it’s just for a quick chat.
- Join a Support Group: Whether online or in-person, sharing your experiences with others who understand can be incredibly healing.
- Adopt a Pet: Caring for an animal can provide companionship and a sense of purpose.
- Volunteer: Helping others can shift your focus outward and bring a sense of fulfillment.
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity boosts endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.
- Practice Mindfulness: Meditation or deep-breathing exercises can help calm your mind.
- Start a Journal: Writing about your feelings can help you process and understand them better.
- Take Up a Hobby: Rediscover an old passion or try something new to keep your mind engaged.
- Limit Social Media: Too much scrolling can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy or isolation.
- Seek Professional Help: A therapist or counselor can provide tools and strategies tailored to your situation.
- Spend Time in Nature: A walk in the park or sitting by the water can be incredibly soothing.
- Set Small Goals: Accomplishing even minor tasks can give you a sense of achievement.
- Practice Gratitude: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day to shift your mindset.
- Connect Spiritually: Prayer, meditation, or exploring your spiritual beliefs can provide comfort.
- Listen to Music: Create a playlist of songs that uplift and inspire you.
- Learn Something New: Taking a course or watching tutorials can keep your mind active and distracted.
- Clean or Organize Your Space: A tidy environment can help create a sense of order in your life.
- Cook a Healthy Meal: Nourishing your body with wholesome food can have a positive impact on your mood.
- Read a Book: Dive into a story or learn something new to escape or gain perspective.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Reward yourself for the little things, like getting out of bed or going for a walk.
Final Thoughts
It’s okay to admit that you’re struggling. Sometimes the hardest step is the first one: reaching out for help. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, remember that support is available. Organizations such as the Samaritans are there to help and can be reached free of charge. Your feelings are valid, and brighter days are ahead. Take me for instance, I often feel like I should take a page from my own book when it comes to giving advice, especially since I’ve struggled with Christmas for so many years. I remember the days when my parents were alive—during one particularly difficult time, I was on the verge of a breakup with my ex-banker boyfriend. I spent the entire holiday in bed, unable to join my family, consumed by my own pain. As the years passed, with the loss of my parents and my brother, the joy of Christmas has largely faded for me. These days, the only true cheer I feel is when I watch my daughter open her presents. Beyond that, it’s hard to find the spirit of the season. I find it difficult to send cards or wish anyone a Merry Christmas when my heart feels so empty. I’ve learned to manage my grief by keeping myself busy, but Christmas remains an especially tough time of year. Don’t get me wrong—I’m at peace with being alone and don’t feel the need to surround myself with a crowd. I’m content in my own company. What hurts the most are the memories of the happy times in my family home—moments I can never relive with my parents and my brother. I also carry a deep sadness for the people I let down due to my mental health. Some of them depended on me, and they passed away before I could make things right. The guilt is heavy, like carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. I’ve asked for forgiveness from God and am doing my best to become a better person, but grief is a daily battle for me.
I’ve set goals for the coming year to keep my mind occupied, and I’m focusing on what lies ahead. So, if you haven’t received a card from me this year, I ask for your understanding. Perhaps we can see it as a small contribution to saving the planet—fewer trees chopped down to make cards that often end up in the bin after the holidays.
Merry Christmas x
P.S: Sharing is caring, I do not want pity or people feeling sorry for me, I just want to help people like myself get through Christmas.
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The Editor Suffers From OCD, Cerebellar Atrophy & Rheumatoid Arthritis.
She is an Entrepreneur & Published Author, she writes content on a range of topics, including politics, current affairs, health and business.
She is an advocate for Mental Health, Human Rights & Disability Discrimination.
Whilst her disabilities can be challenging she has adapted her life around her health and documents her journey online.
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