The Holidays and the care you need from others
By: Nicole Lashomb*/TRT Editor-in-Chief—
Happy Holidays! Although for many, this is the “most wonderful time of the year,” for others, it is a period of sadness, loneliness depression or anxiety often referred to as the holiday blues.
This time of year can be a painful reminder of loss—partners, children, parents, and other dear and loved ones that are no longer a part of the physical world. For others, there is an array of stressors and depressive triggers like the burden of financial pressure to buy gifts even when they can’t be afforded. In the LGBTQ+ community, family get-togethers can be a trigger when dysfunction is at its highest and at the core of deeply rooted psychological traumas. This is especially true when families do not accept the sexual orientation or gender identity of their family members.
According to psychologist Anita Sanz in an article published by Forbes, “… any issues that a person has with their family will come to the forefront during this time,” the article read. “If there is loss, dysfunction, addiction, abuse, disconnection, separation, estrangement, or divorce occurring or affecting your family, then there is the likelihood that you will have to manage the emotions that are related to these issues.”
The holiday season also sends most people into a period of overdrive that elicits attempts to meet unrealistic expectations. This can easily be observed by the number of events we are expected to attend or host.
“During the holidays, there is an increase in the number of activities, tasks, and social events that people must manage,” Sanz wrote. “Shopping and gift-buying can cause financial and emotional stress and can create a need to manage crowds, traffic, and malls or large stores. Family, school, neighborhood, and work celebrations and parties create social, time, and energy demands.”
On top of emotion, psychological and financial burdens, the holiday season serves as a catalyst to not provide self-care—like getting enough sleep, eating well, participating in exercise and other daily routines that provide stability and normalcy to our lives.
The Mayo Clinic has released a number of helpful tips to get us all through the holiday season, especially if it is a difficult one for you.
At this time of year, give yourself the gift of self-love and self-care. Take time to regroup and remember that you are not alone.
From all of us at The Rainbow Times, we wish you the happiest Holiday season—whatever that means at this place in your time and life—whether you are currently struggling or can’t wait to ring in the New Year. We see you, support you and are grateful for you. Thank you for your support and loyalty as we say goodbye to 2019 and start a New Year and decade with you.
Happy Holidays.
*Nicole Lashomb is the Editor-in-Chief of The Rainbow Times and Co-Ed of Project Out. She holds an MBA from Marylhurst University and a BM from the esteemed Crane School of Music. Nicole can be reached at editor@therainbowtimesmass.com.
