Sadness during the holiday season? But it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
While most people will be basking in the warmth of yuletide cheer, some will be dreading the coming holidays. The holidays will remind them that their family and friends are a million miles away, celebrating in their home country. This can make them feel more alone.
Other triggers
Even immigrants who have been here for some time can get lonely around this time of year. As this season can also be about self-evaluation (since the year is ending), our negative feelings are amplified. Other reasons could be:
the cold and gloomy weather. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real thing. It is a kind of depression that results from inadequate exposure to bright light during the winter months
pressure to socialize because of many parties and merry-making this season
If you or any of your friends or family are feeling blue, here are a few things you can try to ease the sadness:
Connect and keep in touch – Feeling homesick? Zoom, Skype and other VoIP technology are wonderful ways to reconnect with your family and friends. You can even join your family virtually as they celebrate Christmas dinner across the miles. Yes, some of us may be sick of video calls, but this is the next best thing to being actually there.
Keep your expectations realistic – We tend to idealize the holidays because of all the images we see in media. You know, that shot through a misty window of a family (or group of friends) exchanging gifts, sharing a toast, laughing or hugging each other. Real life is not exactly like that! You may also see images like this in your friends’ social media posts and feel left out. Remember, this is not the complete picture. Do not force yourself to feel happy just because it is expected. You don’t need gifts or go to many parties if these do not make you happy. Think about what the season really means for you. Let it guide you when you make your plans for the holidays and create your own happiness.
Stay busy – Instead of focusing on your worries, keep occupied by:
Volunteering – Help out in your community or church. There are many charities looking for volunteers around this time of year. Work can range from gift-wrapping to kitchen duties. Volunteer in your own ethnocultural organization. This way you can mingle with your countrymen and enjoy cultural activities that you miss. If you don’t want to travel far, ask to help out your neighbor shovel snow in their yard or get groceries for seniors near your place. There is nothing more uplifting than doing good for others however small.
Participating in free activities – Take advantage of many free activities in Manitoba that can help improve your skills, engage your mind, or provide some recreation. Attend language classes, online chats, conversation circles, skating lessons at the community center, or walk around your neighbourhood to enjoy the unique beauty of winter (sometimes, fresh air and a change of scenery are all you need to boost your mood).
Building social connections, haveTHATtalk.ca (note: The 211 helpline is in Ottawa. Please see the links below for Manitoba helplines).
Making a “gratitude list” – Listing down all your blessings this year will help you appreciate what you have right now instead of pining for things in the past. This will keep your outlook positive and upbeat.
Making New Year’s resolutions – Studies have shown that having something to look forward to helps ease depression. Make a list of your goals for next year. The article Making your New Year’s resolutions work can help you get started.
Trying something new – Being in a new country, you have plenty of opportunities to experience many new things. It can be as simple as playing in the snow, building a snowman, or making new friends.
Recharging yourself – Set some “me time” and go to a spa, get a spiritual retreat, or a meditation class. These activities can ease your mind and provide much needed rest. These can renew your strength to face the new year with much greater focus and positivity.
Avoiding alcohol and drugs – Whatever you do, don’t drown your sorrows in alcohol or drugs. These are temporary fixes and will only make you even more sad.
If you need help or someone to talk to
Depression is different from sadness. Depression is an illness and it is more complicated than sadness. If you feel depressed:
Klinic Community Health services – You do not have to be in a crisis to call them. Klinic provides free and confidential counselling and support for those who are struggling to cope regardless of age, gender or background.
Kids Help Phone – This is a phone or online counselling service for Manitoban youth (20 years old and under). It is confidential, non-judgmental, free and available 24/7.
Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Mobile Crisis Service – (204) 940-1781 – It offers immediate, short-term help to individuals who have experienced an event that causes emotional, mental, physical and behavioral distress or problems.
