Many people find this time of year tough and it’s normal to feel out of step when everyone else seems joyful.
It helps to understand your feelings, to reach out if you’re able to, and remember we’re available 24/7 if you need someone to talk to.
This is one of four articles on how to cope with stress at Christmas. The other articles include, Christmas burnout, holiday spending stress and family dynamics.
Loneliness isn’t just being alone. It’s feeling disconnected, or invisible, like your relationships aren’t how you want them to be. Social isolation means having few social contacts or support or watching from the sidelines.
These feelings can be painful and might affect your sleep, and even physical things like your blood pressure or immunity to sickness.
You might feel tired, lack motivation or energy, and find it hard to enjoy things the way you normally do.
There are lots of reasons you could find the holidays, and the run up to them, hard to cope with. Media and social media’s focus on Christmas and New Year’s Eve can make feelings of loneliness and isolation stronger.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we're here for you. Call us on 1300 22 4636 or use our support services, available 24/7, every day of the year
The idea of the perfect Christmas doesn’t fit everyone’s lifestyle and situation, which can create pressure that many can't meet, making isolation feel sharper.
The festive season can disrupt routines and access to care.
Exploring new activities and fresh ways to think about the holidays can help you feel more in control and make solo celebrations more satisfying.
Make sure you have support – It can be hard if your regular counsellor, GP or trusted person is away over the holidays, so talk to them early about support for you while they’re away.
Talk about it – There are places online like Beyond Blue’s Forums, where people gather to talk about how they’re feeling. You might find someone with a similar experience to you.
Look around – If you’re in a place that has community events, volunteering opportunities, or hobby groups, you could join up to help out or join in on activities.
Reach out – If you know of someone else who is alone over the holidays, like an elderly neighbour or more distant family member, you could give them a call or drop over with something to share.
Be kind to yourself – It’s not your fault how you feel. Think about things you really love that you’d like to do and find a way to give yourself some of this experience, as a gift.
Limit social media – It’s easy to compare your life to others online. Remember, most people only share the highlights on social media, not the low times.
Lower your expectations – Try to focus on your own experience, and things you can, and like to, do.
Make your own traditions – What could the Christmas and New Year holidays come to mean to you if you started your own traditions or ways of celebrating?
As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.
First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.
Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.
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