Christmas is meant to be a time of joy and happiness – that’s
what we’re taught from a young age anyway. It’s what we’re shown in films, in
songs, and on the television. Yet many recent studies have shown that it’s
actually quite common to feel down during the holidays. If you’re dreading the
festive season then don’t worry – you’re far from alone.
Why Do People Feel Down at Christmas?
So why is this period a tough time for a lot of us? For some
it can be the pressure of feeling we ‘ought’ to be happy. We see everyone else having
a fabulously festive time with their loved ones and feel inadequate in
comparison. This is further magnified by the increase in importance of social
media. The types of films and television
shown throughout this season similarly project an idealized, cookie-cutter
version of how our Christmas should be spent, giving us a pretty unachievable
standard of festive cheer.
Another factor is it makes us remember all our loved ones who
can’t be with us. It brings to the forefront of our minds how much we miss
these people, and the experience can feel empty without them. In day-to-day
life it can be easy to get on with it and ignore your grief. When it comes to
Christmas, it’s harder to ignore the gap they’ve left in your life.
There’s also the added pressure of money. Consumerism is now
unfortunately as much a part of Christmas as carols and Santa, and the extra
financial burden can weigh heavily. You want to give your family the best day
ever, but the monetary strain it can cause results in added stress which can
lead to anxiety and depression.
Finally, feelings of isolation are another reason people get
sad during this season. Christmas is traditionally seen as a day you spend with
your loved ones, and being by yourself (especially on the 25th) can
magnify a person’s feelings of loneliness.
You’re Not Alone….
So what can we learn from all this? Well firstly it’s
completely normal and ok to feel sad at Christmas. In fact you’re probably not
as alone as you might think – a recent study found that over 80% of people
characterize Christmas as a difficult time of year. You should also remember portrayals
of life on social media are rarely accurate (see our post on how
social media can affect your mental health for more advice). Finally don’t
try and force yourself to bury your feelings just because it’s Christmas – it’s
important to talk through any issues you’re having. Ignoring them is unlikely
to make them go away. See our posts on how
to start a conversation about mental health and 5
people you can talk to about depression for further advice.
Kimberley Parker
Kimberley Parker
