Holiday Complications:Grief, Painful Family Dynamics, and Stress
Laura Longville
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and togetherness, but for many, it can be difficult and stressful. This is especially true for those who are grieving, have outrageous family dynamics, or are dealing with a lot of stress.
Grief
The holidays can be a particularly difficult time for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one. All of the festivities and traditions can be a painful reminder of the person who is no longer there. Additionally, the pressure to be happy and festive can be overwhelming for someone who is feeling sad and grieving.
Painful Family Dynamics
Many families have their own unique set of dynamics, and some families can be more dysfunctional than others. The holidays can bring these dynamics to the surface, and this can lead to conflict, stress, and anxiety. For example, some families may have members who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, while others may have members who are verbally or mentally abusive.
Stress
Even people who don’t have any major problems in their lives can feel stressed during the holiday season. There is a lot of pressure to buy gifts, cook elaborate meals, and decorate the house. Additionally, many people have to travel.
If you are struggling with grief, weird family dynamics, or stress during the holidays, know that you are not alone. Many people are going through the same thing. There are also many resources available to help you cope. I have several blog posts that address these challenges.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, please reach out for help. There is no shame in asking for support.