The Dark Side Of The Holiday Season

The holidays can be a wonderful time for many people; they’re an opportunity to spend time with loved ones, take some time off school or work, and enjoy the festivities. For some, though, the holiday season can be stressful.

- Marcia Sirota, MD.

Every year, there are always people who don’t look forward to the holiday season. Some have difficult relationships with their family members, while some are feeling lonely and isolated. Others are financially strapped and embarrassed that they can’t afford presents for their extended family.

What Happens on the Dark Side of the Holidays?

If you’re upset with your career or frustrated with your financial situation, the holidays bring these feelings into sharp focus. The silver lining is that perhaps, this will motivate you in the new year to resuscitate your moribund career or sort out your finances.

If you’re sick of spending another holiday with no money for a vacation or even for gifts, or if you realize that you’re dreading going back to work after the break, this malaise might be just the incentive you need to make some real changes in these aspects of your life.

The holidays can be difficult when you impose a lot of expectations on yourself: you should be happy, have fun; feel close to people. But maybe all these things aren’t possible, right now.

The Holiday Season Can Carry Painful Memories