Curbing Loneliness at the Holidays

The holidays are a time for family togetherness, for seeing those we haven’t seen for a while, for giving and receiving presents and cards. Even though it is hectic, for many people it is a happy time, a time to remember who and what are really important in our lives.

Loneliness, Depression, and the Holidays

But while we’re out enjoying ourselves, let’s not forget about those in our lives that may not have anyone to share the holidays with. There are many people that feel a deep sense of loneliness at the holidays. It could be an elderly person that has no family left to take care of them or spend time with them. It could be a single adult that lives far from family and old friends. Whoever it may be, there are many people out there that have to struggle through another holiday season alone. It’s times like these that cause some people to spiral into a depression or medicate themselves with drugs or alcohol.

We Can Help Others

For as happy as holidays are for some with the family and celebrations and memories of past years, there are just as many that dread the season and memories only bring pain. But with just a little bit of caring and awareness, we can work on making the year a little brighter for these people.

We should all take time out of our busy holidays to consider those around us that might be heading toward depression or substance abuse. These are people that might appreciate a Christmas card, or to be included in a Christmas cookie exchange, or invited to a service at church. While it might be awkward to try to do these things at other times of the year, the holidays pose the perfect opportunity for sharing the love or giving small gifts.

Then there are bigger things we can do, if we have the time or willingness. We can invite someone over for dinner, or organize a caroling party around the neighborhood, or even offer to take someone out Christmas shopping or to see the holiday lights.

No gesture is too small or insignificant. You never know when something small that you do will have a lasting effect on someone else. We need to take time to think about what is really important in this life, and reach out to those that are in emotional misery. We should be careful not to get too caught up in our own lives to see the need around us. While the holiday season is a great time to start offering a helping hand, it should not be the only season. We can continue our service throughout the year, and in doing so, we just might be doing our part to curb loneliness, depression, and the substance abuse that might go with it.

Sources

Feeling Alone Together: How Loneliness Spreads

‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ aims to reduce loneliness of holidays

FAMILY MATTERS: Anticipation defeats the holiday blues