The Other Side of the Holidays

The holidays are known to most as the brightest time of the year. The streets light up, decorations go up, and there is a visible joy in the atmosphere that surrounds us. It’s that time of year when families gather around for a warm meal, toss the football out in the cool, crisp, autumn breeze, and make memories that last a lifetime. For many, because of this, the holidays truly seem like joyous and wonderful times.  

But how about a reality that is completely different from what was just described? A reality where people are not living a “picture perfect” holiday that is commonly portrayed on social media and in movies.  

The truth is that countless people undergo a vastly different holiday experience than what many others are used to. Instead of warmth and cheerfulness, this time of year can be a time of emotional loneliness and isolation for many. This experience is exactly what many fail to think or talk about: The other side of the holidays.  

People without close family, or without family at all, face a holiday season often full of dread and numbness. Individuals experiencing the holidays on their own may often see their friends and colleagues enjoying time with their close ones, while they are stuck at home with no one to celebrate with. Surprisingly, this experience is not uncommon among many people in our country. According to an AARP survey, 31 percent of adults reported that they have felt lonely throughout the holiday season over the last 5 years (Kerman, 2017). This is a significant problem as it is known that loneliness and social isolation can have severe effects on an individual. This includes depression, anxiety, stress, heart disease, and negative thoughts that can lead to mental health issues (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024).  

How the Fortunate Can Make a Difference  

For those who are surrounded by a circle of close friends and family, the holiday season, specifically November through December, offers a chance to spread kindness and make a true difference to those who may feel lonely during this time of year. Sometimes it's the simplest gestures that can make someone's entire holiday. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), 90 percent of individuals that received a small and kind gesture reported that it significantly improved their mood (American Psychiatric Association, 2024). 

Taking this into account, here are a few ways you can make a meaningful impact:  

1. Invite Someone: The gesture of an invitation can be much more powerful than we may realize. Whether it’s for a Thanksgiving meal or a friendly chat, it can mean the world to a person that needs it.  

2. Check in: A rather simple “Hey, how are you doing?” This can be the brightest part of someone’s day. It tells them that they have someone who genuinely cares about them.  

3. Give a Gift: It doesn’t need to be extravagant to be meaningful. It’s often the simple gifts that hold the most power. Small gifts like a book, a homemade treat, or a handwritten card show thoughtfulness. In the end, it’s about gestures once again.  

4. Have a Genuine Conversation: Having a real conversation can really help a person to express what they are truly feeling. You don’t have to offer any solutions. Sometimes, just being heard can make a true difference. It can be a form of therapy to let all of their emotions out, making them feel lighter afterwards.  

A Moment for Gratitude  

During all the busyness, it’s really easy to forget to be thankful for all the blessings we receive. Carving pumpkins, decorating a tree, baking that cake that always seems to turn out awful, chatting with those close to us, all may seem like ordinary things. However, we must take a moment to think about how much of a privilege it really is to experience all of these things. Being thankful for our blessings helps us to develop empathy and compassion for those who are less fortunate. 

Mental Health Resources to Help You During the Holidays 

Here in Tampa Bay, we have numerous mental health organizations and providers ready and willing to help you with your mental health. Our Teen Connect navigators work hard to be able to provide you with community resources near you that can link you with mental health services through your insurance or at no to low cost! If you are interested in receiving mental health support during this holiday season, use our searchable directory to find resources near you. For more personalized and hands on support, you can complete our short online referral form to connect with our Teen Connect navigators. Our resource navigators will compile a list of organizations and resources available to youth that meet your needs! 

- Aziz, Teen Connect Youth Advisory Board Member  

Ybor Youth Clinic  - You can learn more information about making an appointment here! 

Works Cited 

American Psychiatric Association. “New Poll: Small Acts of Kindness Make Most Americans Feel Better.” Psychiatry.org, 2024, www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/new-poll-small-acts-of-kindness-benefits. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness.” Social Connection, CDC, 15 May 2024, www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/risk-factors/index.html. 

Kerman, Sarah. Social Connection and the Holidays Methodology. 11 Dec. 2017, www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/surveys_statistics/life-leisure/2017/holiday-omni-memo.doi.10.26419%252Fres.00184.001.pdf, https://doi.org/10.26419/res.00184.001.