How to Cope with Loneliness During the Holidays

Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s and other holidays aren’t always synonymous with happy times for everyone. Not everyone has the loving support of family and close friends. I once asked a coworker what she was doing for Thanksgiving, and she replied “Oh, well, I usually get a good frozen turkey dinner (as in a TV dinner) and read a good book.” For some people, the holidays can be a very lonely time, a time where they are constantly reminded that they do not have family, or at least supportive family, and that they are alone. If you fall in this category, you know that the holidays might mean more stress and unhappiness for you. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some tips and ideas on how to deal with, or cope with loneliness during the holidays.

Volunteer

Did you know that some psychiatrists and other doctors prescribe volunteer work to their patients? Not only does it help them make a small (or tremendous) difference in the community, it offers multiple benefits to the volunteer as well. Volunteering can help you have a sense of meaning and importance in this crazy world. There are numerous agencies that would love to have your help. Many would be thrilled for you to volunteer year round, not just during the holidays. If you want to actually volunteer on Christmas Day, there are soup kitchens and homeless shelters that might be happy for your assistance. Most cities and large towns have a local volunteer center. Google your city/town with “volunteer center” to see if there’s one in your area. You also might call your local United Way and ask what places need volunteers.

Call a Crisis Hotline

I was inspired to write this article from my experience as an employee at a suicide and crisis hotline. I learned that there are many lonely, hurting people in the world. Many people do not have family to turn to when they are feeling down, or just need someone to talk to. That’s where a crisis hotline may help. Although some are focused on suicide prevention, most will take your call if you are just feeling overwhelmed, lonely, stressed, or just having a really bad time through the holidays. Look in your phone book and see there is a crisis hotline in your area – most cities and larger towns have one. If you cannot find one, and have long distance (or free long distance on your cell phone), you can call a crisis hotline that is not in your area. (We got out of town calls on the time when I worked at the crisis hotline.) Google “contact hotline” and you’ll find the links to crisis hotlines around the country.