The Holidays are often represented and described as a time of connection and joy. Families and friends are encouraged to spend time together and focus on what they are grateful for and the love that is shared between them.
However, for many people, the Holidays are a time of loneliness and depression. Real life doesn’t always match up to the happy, healthy scenarios portrayed in Hallmark movies or in Christmas songs. Often, the Holidays bring up painful memories, cyclical grief, or serve as a reminder that our relationships are not as close or loving as we would like them to be.
These tough emotions can be compounded by a pressure to be happy and thankful or to participate in social events during the Holidays. Psychologists tell us that resisting a certain feeling or thought can actually make that experience stronger or can introduce self-blame or guilt. In addition, the cold weather, lack of sunlight, and shorter days during the winter can also contribute to feelings of depression or low energy.
Essentially, the winter Holidays are a tricky time of year, and if you’re feeling alone this Holiday season, you can be sure that your experience is normal and that many other people are going through something similar. In fact, between 40 and 60 percent of U.S. adults report feeling lonely.
According to a report by Cigna, loneliness is even more common among young people. The 2018 study found that nearly eight in 10 Gen Zers and seven in 10 millennials are lonely, vs. half of boomers.
Loneliness is a common experience and is completely normal, especially during the times of year when we slow down and take stock of our lives and relationships—such as during the Holidays.
If you’re feeling lonely this winter and need someone to talk to, try our anonymous social app, VentSpace. The free app lets you share whatever is on your mind with supportive, anonymous peers and feel like somebody is hearing your thoughts and feelings.