Christmas can be a wonderful time of year with lots of Celebration, joy. partying and coming together of friends and family. Unfortunately it can be a very difficult time for many people for a whole host of reasons. Here are just some of the reasons some people can find Christmas very hard to cope with.

Social Anxiety

If you suffer from social anxiety the idea of work parties can be very daunting. These can be hard to avoid as everyone else in the work place seems to be going and facing the questions as to why you are not going can be anxiety inducing in themselves.

Social Anxiety can be crippling, thoughts of what will I wear, what will I say to people, what will people think of me, can fill your head and take away any enjoyment from the experience. This can be exacerbated by Christmas work parties as there is in implicit obligation to attend and even when the party is over you have to face everyone the next day at work. This can lead to more thoughts of being scrutinised or questioned afterwards as well.

If you suffer from Social Anxiety counselling can really help you face these difficulties and work through them so you can enjoy these events or at the very least endure them without to much difficulty.

Alcoholism

Whether you are an Alcoholic or struggle with problem drinking this time of year can be especially difficult as alcohol seems to be everywhere for Christmas work parties to family get togethers.

You may have your drinking under control but these situations can put added pressure on you as everyone else seems to be drinking and often encouraging each other and you to drink more than normally. 

If you are struggling with your drinking remember it is ok to say no. If you feel the temptation at parties is going to be too great, it is ok not to attend. This is better for you in the long run.

It is also ok to ask for help. If you are going to a situation you think you might struggle with you might ask a close friend to support you. 

Help can also be found here at Alcoholics Anonymous 

Counselling can also help you explore your need for alcohol and what you can do to help yourself avoid it.

If you don’t have an issue with alcohol remember others might. If you’re at a party and someone says they want a soft drink, except their decision and support them. They can have many reason for not having a drink. They may be driving, have health reasons, have an issue with alcohol or just not want to have a drink. The reason is personal to them and they don’t need to explain it.

If someone has clearly had too much to drink look after them, get them water, help them make sure the get home safe and don’t be tempted to ply them with more. This can be very dangerous on multiple levels.

Loneliness

Many people in the UK suffer from Loneliness and this seems to be growing. A sense of isolation from other people and reduced human interaction, with some people not talking to another human being for days even weeks sometimes.

Loneliness is especially difficult around Christmas. A time when people are meant to come together and celebrate. If you are alone this time of year can make you feel even more alone, everyone else appears to be going to parties, heading around the country to see friends and family highlighting how isolated you feel. You are not alone in this feeling, many others feel the same way and counselling can help you work through these feelings and support you in combatting your isolation.

Eating Disorders 

Christmas is seen as time for food. The table buckling under the weight of the Christmas dinner and all the trimmings. If you have an issue with food this can be an especially daunting time of year. Having to eat with others may be hard. Everyone eating more than usual and an expectation for you to indulge as well. You don’t have to eat more than you are comfortable with and I understand how difficult this can be. Counselling can help support you with these difficulties.

Bereavement 

Losing someone close to you is understandable difficult. Christmas can be a time that really highlights their absence. Everyone getting together expect that loved one who is no longer with us. That empty seat at the table. The passing of time without them. Whether its the first Christmas or the tenth Christmas it reminds us that they are not here. Bereavement can be hard at anytime of year and Christmas time can bring the grief flooding back. Help is available and counselling can help you gain understanding of your loss.

Family Issues

Families can be complicated at the best of times. The Christmas card image of a big happy family celebrating together isn’t always true for everyone. There can be many reasons for families not to get along and some of these can be very deep, painful and have gone on for many years. Having to come together over Christmas because we feel that’s what expected of us can open these wounds and be very difficult to get through. Counselling can help you work through these relationship difficulties.

Financial Problems

Living with financial problems is difficult at the best of times and can really effect our well being. This can be extremely difficult around Christmas with the expectations to attend often expensive Christmas parties, make large lavish meals and buying gifts and presents. It can often be hard to maintain and budget and it can feel like we are being judged on how much we give and spend.

If you are struggling with debt Citizens advice can help

Conclusion

These are just some of the things that can make Christmas difficult for some people and can cause great anxiety. You may not find it difficult but please remember others might. Try and be there for them and offer support if you can. If you are struggling counselling can help, please get in touch.