For a variety of reasons, many people may feel particularly lonely during the holiday season. In some cases, it can be due to the loss of a loved one who they would normally spend the holidays with; for others, it may be due to illnesses or other circumstances that isolate them from friends and family members.
No matter your personal situation, there are steps you can take to help either yourself or someone else feel less lonely during the holidays. Some of these steps include:
Calling family members or friends you don’t talk to often: If you feel disconnected from family members or friends during the holiday season, this may be a great time to give them a call and check in on them.
Joining a community or volunteer group: If you don’t have any plans or expectations of seeing anyone during the holidays, you may be able to find opportunities to participate in local community events. You may also be able to volunteer your time either at these events or at other needed places during the holidays.
Finding activities to enjoy on your own: It’s perfectly okay to enjoy the holiday season on your own doing things that you enjoy, whether it involves activities at home, going out to enjoy activities.
Loneliness during the holidays may be harder for some people to cope with than others; don’t be afraid or ashamed of seeking help from a mental health professional. You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic by calling (718) 670-5562.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.