Although Christmas is traditionally a time of fellowship and joy, for many the festive season represents a time of loneliness and misery, frustrated by painful memories.
For people on their own, Christmas can be the loneliest time of the year and a period to be dreaded, especially if it is the first holiday after the death of a loved one.
For others, Christmas may be a melancholic reminder of happier times that may have passed.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Christmas may be a time of family hell for some people, as they are forced to entertain
difficult family members, or make polite conversation with people who are not well tolerated.
All this anxiety can lead to depression, and for depressed people, who already find it difficult to socialize and to experience any joy in company, Christmas can be an especially trying time, and they may feel more isolated than ever.
According to Johannesburg psychologist, Ms Colinde Linda: “There are those people who dread this time of year, and the incidence of depression (as well as suicide) is very high.”
To cope with this Christmas stress, many people turn to food, over-the-counter medications or drink too much to try to feel more cheerful, using alcohol as a form of self-medication.
It is important to remember though that the initial euphoria and sociability soon disappears and the combination of lowered inhibitions, old resentments and alcohol can lead to quarrels and injured feelings.
Alcohol also interferes with sleep, especially in that you do not dream when drunk – which is very unhealthy for a brain
Alcohol and depression do not mix.
To cope throughout this time of turmoil, it is best to be prepared and to plan your Christmas.
There are a few tips to survive the festive season:
*Difficult relatives
If the problem is that you have relatives that you do not get on with, plan to spend only a short while with them.
Perhaps plan a vacation for which you leave on Boxing Day.
This also applies if you have relatives that tend to outstay their welcome – plan a holiday to get away from the house on time.
*Money
Do not spend more than you can afford.
The spirit of Christmas is not found in expensive gifts and extravagant foods.
The debts you incur are likely to cause an anxious beginning to the new year.
Rather leave some money over.
*Alcohol
Remember that alcohol is essentially a depressant.
Excessive amounts will not help you cope and could worsen the situation.
*Loneliness
There are a number of options to choose from to make your Christmas bearable if you are alone:
• Find out in advance if there are any local get-together’s and plan to go
• Telephone friends and family
• Plan small treats for yourself
• Put your feet up and enjoy the festivities on the TV and radio
• Try taking a cheap holiday – be in a new surrounding
• Visit those in hospice, hospitals, old age homes or children who are also lonely over christmas
