It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year…Or Is It? – The Practical Side
Stores set out Halloween merchandise as soon as the back-to-school displays come down. And immediately after that shelves are stocked with Christmas items. In fact, in a store near my house, they put the Halloween and Christmas stuff up simultaneously, side by side. We are made aware of the holiday season between October and January long before it actually begins. Moreover, store ads, displays, and TV commercials tell us that this is the happiest season of all. But is it?
For many people the holidays are an emotionally difficult time, riddled with anxiety, depression, financial hardship and the rekindling of challenging relationships that may have been avoided for most of the year. The holidays also trigger grief and sadness in that people remember those they have lost. They look around the table at Thanksgiving or open gifts under the Christmas tree and think about who is missing.
If you are having a hard time with the approaching holidays it is important to know you are not alone. Many people list Christmas as one of their most difficult times of year. The crucial thing is to not only admit what you are feeling, but to do something about it. A licensed counselor can help you deal with the stress of the holiday season and sort out your feelings. Whether you are stressed financially, grieving a lost loved one or feeling depressed, a counselor can assist you. She can help you work through your feelings and identify and implement practical solutions to your current stressors. If you would like to speak to a licensed mental health counselor, please call Life Enhancement Counseling Services at 407-443-8862.