Feeling Lonely as the Holidays Draw Near- Ways to Cope

Many people feel lonely as Thanksgiving gets closer. People can feel lonely even if they have loved ones in their lives. 

Others may feel lonely because they are in fact alone.

Holidays tend to get us thinking of family and most of us have lost loved ones. As Thanksgiving draws near, we start to miss our loved ones who are gone and it can be extremely painful. 

There is also pressure from society to connect and be with others during the holidays. This can make us feel even more vulnerable to feel lonely.

WAYS TO COPE:

Seek company. Attend a meet- up group. Go to Church and a small group such as Sunday School class to connect with others.

Implement Self-Care. When you feel lonely and down in spirits, it is important to demonstrate self-care or you will end up feeling worse. Get fresh air and exercise, do something that you enjoy, drink water, and eat healthy.

Acknowledge your feelings and explore them. There may be good reasons as to why you feel lonely as the holidays approach. Think over possible reasons and try to understand the factors that may contribute to how you may be feeling especially lonely at this time.    

Volunteer. Reaching out to others who are worse off than you can make you feel better in many ways.

Talk to Someone. Talk to a friend if possible and/ or seek counseling. It is helpful and healthy to talk to someone. It can help you to better understand and to get validation as to why this particular time is especially difficult for many people. 

Count your blessings! Think of what you are thankful for.

Pray! Your Heavenly Father is always with you and He loves you!

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8

By Diane Gammon M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counselor

                    Blog Website LivingWithHopeCounseling.com