Holidays

[FONT=""][COLOR=""][SIZE=""][FONT=""][COLOR=""][SIZE=""]Always get depressed around the holidays and it's hard to keep going.[/size][/color][/font][/size][/color][/font]

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The holidays are definitely rough for a lot of people. I'm sorry you have a hard time with them too.

I don't do much for the holidays, but I try and find things to do that I enjoy or can look forward to. For example, you can count down the days until a new movie is released, a video game you want to play comes to town, or until something else happens. The holidays are still happening, but at least you have something to be a little excited about and look forward to.

If you have to go to family members' houses for the holidays, is there anything you can do to get away if you need to? For example, if the house is in a safe place maybe you can take a walk, just around the block, to clear your head. Keep your phone with you in case of emergency, but it can help to get away for a minute when you're with other people like that. If you can't go out, you can try excusing yourself to the bathroom for five minutes just to breathe and maybe splash some cold water on your face to reset.

Try and find comforting things to do when you have downtime. I spent most of Thanksgiving reading since it's a comfort. Maybe you can take a bath and then use a nice smelling lotion, light a candle, and then put on Netflix and have some of your favorite snacks. Also find outlets for your emotions. Writing, doing art, listening to or making music, or exercising are all ways to get out pent up feelings. If you're feeling isolated or lonely, maybe you can visit our Discord server for a chat.

[Arabesque- golfing girl.]

Hello and thank you so much for coming on and telling us about what you have been going through and I am sorry that you are having a hard time with this and I hope that you will be okay soon. When we have the holidays coming up, they can be hard because we maynot have someone with us who is not able to make it because they have passed away or they are in a different state or in the hospital, ect. Would you be able to ask someone if you could bring a friend or family member along with you or ask to join someone if you can, a friend or family member? I hope that you will be okay soon.

[Hiraeth.]

Hi there, I apologize for the late response. Thank you so much for reaching out, and I hope things have improved for you. The holidays can certainly be a challenging time of year for a lot of people, and the amount of "cheer" can get overwhelming. It's easy to fall into a funk, and having it get dark out early and the temperatures drop isn't any help.

I would suggest finding things that keep you entertained. Find a good book to read online, play a new video game, watch a new tv series or movie, ask your friends if they want to hang out or have a hang-out session over Skpye or whatever platform is used these days. If looking at Christmas lights and getting out decorations aren't your thing, then think about the new year coming up.

What do you want 2024 to be about? What was it about 2023 that you didn't like, wish had been different, and could be different in 2024? Take the time during a quiet moment, away from the family festivities, and write for fifteen or twenty minutes. Just sit down, write away, and don't worry about making any errors. Let those words come naturally, let all your feelings out.

Also, I would suggest checking out those helpline number, either call them or text them if you need to. They're anonymous, and you can share as little or as much as you want to. Additionally, TeenHelp is offering support on their Discord server through the next week for those who might be struggling during the holidays, so definitely pop in if you need to.

Wishing you the best of luck, please reach out again if needed.