photo by: Adobe Stock Photo

Group of diverse young adults and Black woman sitting around table sharing Thanksgiving dinner, eating and talking, hands reaching for food, festive meal setting, autumn decorations visible

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

Have you heard that refrain from an old Andy Williams song?

Many of us look forward to celebrating the holidays with our friends and loved ones, but that’s not the case for everyone. When the world feels like it’s full of joy and togetherness, it can be hard – especially when you’re grieving or feeling lonely.

Connection matters

Grief, loss and loneliness can be painful parts of the cycle of life and happen due to a variety of factors – illness, death, divorce, a move or something entirely different. These emotions can be powerful no matter the time of year, but especially during the holiday season. And they can be harmful to your health.

A 2023 US Surgeon General report showed that people who are lonely and socially isolated have significant health impacts, including an increase in the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, dementia, depression and anxiety.

Tips for staying connected

The pressure to put on a brave face and be happy can feel isolating. Here are a few tips to help stay connected this season:

• How are you? It seems like a simple question, but it can sometimes be the hardest to answer. Understand that someone who is dealing with grief or loss may not want to talk about what’s bothering them. Listen and give them the space to talk.

• Random acts of kindness: Being kind goes a long way and can help ease loneliness. Invite someone to go on a walk, deliver a meal, or ask them out for coffee.

• Volunteer your time: Giving your time can ease your loneliness and help others. Local nonprofits and food pantries rely on volunteers to fulfill their mission. Your local hospital is also a great option. Learn about the options available at LMH Health at lmh.org/volunteer.

• Practice gratitude: Write down three good things that happen each day. Focusing on the positive can help improve your outlook.

• Consider saying yes: If you’re up to it, accept invitations to be with those whose company you enjoy.

• Be gentle with yourself. Get adequate sleep, exercise, eat healthy meals and avoid using alcohol or other drugs in excess.

Is it something more serious?

More than 20 million people in the United States live with some form of depression, according to statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). It’s more than just feeling unhappy for a few days. Depression includes continued feelings of sadness, hopelessness and emptiness. Normal sadness or stress tends to improve within a few weeks, while mental illness symptoms persist for months. These symptoms are more intense than what seems proportionate to the circumstances.

Other symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite or changes in weight

• Lack of concentration

• Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed

• Persistent fatigue or lack of energy

• Changes in sleeping

Reach out when you need help

If you’re struggling, Sandra Dixon, Behavioral Health Integration director at LMH Health, recommends:

• Reaching out to a trusted friend or family member

• Leaning on support systems, such as support groups, faith and online communities

• Using a free app focused on meditation or deep breathing to center yourself and provide time to be still

If your symptoms interfere with daily functioning or you don’t feel that you’re coping well, reach out to your primary care physician for additional support. And if you need help or someone to talk to, call or text 988. You can speak with someone immediately, 24-hours-a-day, every day of the year.

It can be easy to feel overwhelmed, especially during the holidays. Remember to prioritize what matters. Embrace self-care, stay connected and reach out when you need it.

Autumn Bishop is the marketing manager and content strategist at LMH Health.

Where to get help

Many resources are available when you need help.

• Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center (non-crisis): 785-843-9192 or bertnash.org

• Treatment & Recovery Center of Douglas County, 1000 W 2nd Street, Lawrence

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org if you need help or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.