Not So Merry

The holidays are a time when most of us are supposed to be celebrating a significant holiday and the beginning of the new year. Unfortunately, for many of us, this time of the year can be when we experience a great deal of distress and are not in any kind of celebratory mood. I know for me Christmas was an anxiety-provoking occasion when I was a child. We were poor and my father was an alcoholic. I never knew what was going to happen regarding his behavior and didn’t expect much would be under our Christmas tree. Others I know have had the unfortunate experience of a major life tragedy that occurred near or on one of the holidays forever marking the time as sad, traumatic or anxiety provoking. Many people find themselves alone on a holiday, estranged from family or friends or caught in dysfunctional family situations. What is one to do?

My tonic has become online peer support groups. They are a place where people come together and help each other with life challenges.