Kent Golf Limited
Dealing with loneliness in the Holiday season….
Date published: 19 Dec 2022
The holiday season is generally thought of as a time of love and joy, but for some it is a time of loneliness. Some people have distance as a factor, others have fear or anxieties around social situations and end up staying home alone. It is common for individuals to have a feeling of emotional distance from the people they are with, which can lead to a person feeling isolated and lonely in a room full of people. For those who feel a sense of loneliness, holidays can be a time of additional stress. The following suggestions may help:
1) Be good to yourself – indulge in some selfcare. It may help you feel better – and enjoy your solitude more. Whether you take a relaxing bath, read a book, have a spa treatment, play a sport you enjoy, taking the times to do things you enjoy will enhance your self esteem or at least distract your focus of feeling alone.
2) Understand that you’re NOT alone – The holidays can be lonely for many people. Some people wish they could be with family, but they can’t, others mourn past relationships, lost ones or long for closer relationships with family and friends. While it may feel uncomfortable to be lonely, it is important to know it is ok to feel this way.
3) Re-evaluate your expectations – it is important you realise that few people’s lifestyle truly measure up to “movie standards” of perfect living and in doing so, shift all the great things you have in your life. It’s important to remember that social media can create significant amounts of stress in that area.
4) Don’t be afraid to reach out - Most importantly, if the pain of loneliness and isolation is overwhelming you, speak to someone you trust and/or your GP about your feelings. You don’t need to suffer alone. Talking therapies may help if you’re struggling. A GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself directly to an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT) without a referral too.
Another useful resource is Side by Side, Mind’s online community that provides a safe place to listen, share and be heard for an extra helping hand should you need it and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also visit the NHS’s Every Mind Matters website which also has a range of advice and practical tips to help you find what works best for you.
It has been widely shared on social media that a new phone number has been set up for suicide prevention. Please note the number that is being circulated is only available in USA NOT UK. If you are feeling suicidal you can call Samaritans on 116 123 or call 999 or 112, you will not be prosecuted for asking for help.
If you are interested in completing any courses for Mental Health First Aid you can register for free courses in England by following this link https://freecoursesinengland.co.uk/mental-health-training alternatively use the live chat on their website or call 0800 001 5910
Created by intelligentgolf version 10.1.2.
