Author: Ryan S Patel DO, FAPA, OSU-CCS Psychiatrist

Loneliness over the holidays and winter months

Many people experience loneliness (1).  It can impact mental health and physical health as discussed in the Surgeon General’s 2023 report (2).

Strategies to address this has been discussed previously (3).

Yet for many others, loneliness can be amplified during the holidays and winter months.

  • For example, people who are already lonely may feel even more isolated and disconnected from others. This is partly because the holiday season is often portrayed as a time of togetherness and celebration with loved ones, which can make those who are alone feel left out and more acutely aware of their loneliness.
  •  Others experiencing increased loneliness during the holidays include people who are away from their friends and family, recently separated or divorced, those that have lost loved ones, people traveling for work, etc. and those who gain most of their social interactions in the work setting as they may not be working during the holidays, etc.

What are some mental health concerns that can occur due to loneliness?

  • Loneliness can impact anxiety, depression, alcohol, or drug use, other addictive behaviors, etc. (4)
  • Holidays can also be a stressful time for some due to lives lost during the pandemic, relationships strained due to loss of practice (social isolation), and political disagreements.

What are some strategies to help with loneliness during the holidays and winter months?

  • Think of all the years past and if there were activities or moments that you enjoyed around the holidays winter months. Now think of ways you could plan those activities or moments this holiday or winter season.
  • Reach out to current or past friends, relatives, acquaintances that in advance and inquire about their holiday plans in case you can get together with them.
  • Participate or volunteer with organizations like Salvation army, United way, community events, religious events, etc
  • Go on a trip: many vacation spots provide a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.  Research a trip for the spring or summer, this can be an enjoyable experience for some people and it will give you something to look forward to.
  • Stay busy, maintain a structure to your day-eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep, exercise; work on projects around the house, hobbies, etc.
  • The task or project you’ve been putting off? The holidays might be a great time to work on it.
  • Use the power of social media and look into what healthy activities have worked for others.
  • Consider taking 5 actions for 5 days.
  • For other strategies go here: https://u.osu.edu/emotionalfitness/category/loneliness/

For more resources: 

By R Ryan S Patel DO, FAPA

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Disclaimer: This article is intended to be informative only. It is advised that you check with your own physician/mental health provider before implementing any changes. With this article, the author is not rendering medical advice, nor diagnosing, prescribing, or treating any condition, or injury; and therefore claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or injury caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the material presented.

References:

  1. Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community 2023. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
  2. Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community 2023. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
  3. Patel R. Mental Health For College Students https://a.co/d/iXhbkAj

Strategies for finals and academic stress

As finals approach, many students find themselves increasingly stressed while trying to do their best academically.  In that situation, some students may find them selves doing things that inadvertently worsen their stress and academic performance.  For example, many students increase caffeine intake during finals but this might actually worsen attention (1,3).    Other students who do not have adhd might use study drugs, but this can also worsen attention (2,3).

So how can students take steps to finish strong academically?

Consider brief activity as breaks to improve focus: https://u.osu.edu/emotionalfitness/2022/04/22/brief-activity-vs-relaxation-breaks-for-energy/

Consider these other strategies to improve focus: https://u.osu.edu/emotionalfitness/2021/03/30/strategies-to-improve-attention/

Finally, take a look at this link to identify 5 things to increase, and 5 things to decrease for a successful end of semester: https://u.osu.edu/emotionalfitness/2021/03/30/strategies-to-improve-attention/

 

By R Ryan S Patel DO, FAPA

If you would like to be notified of a new post (usually once per month), please enter your email above.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be informative only. It is advised that you check with your own physician/mental health provider before implementing any changes. With this article, the author is not rendering medical advice, nor diagnosing, prescribing, or treating any condition, or injury; and therefore claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or injury caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the material presented.

References:

  1. https://u.osu.edu/emotionalfitness/2015/03/10/do-energy-drinks-help-or-hurt-your-attention/
  2. https://u.osu.edu/emotionalfitness/2023/06/30/smart-drugs-might-not-always-help-with-focus/
  3. Patel R. Mental Health For College Students  https://a.co/d/iXhbkAj

 

Disparities in men’s mental health

A significant disparity exists among males and health in the US, including mental health (1).

For example, in the US, about 80 % of people who die by suicide are male, at a rate that is 4x higher than females (2).

80% of males have experienced stress in the last six months (3).

65% of men said they are hesitant to seek professional help for mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety and depression (4).

Why might this be?

While there variety of factors, in 2022, a review article in the American Journal of Public Health found that men who internalized that stigma were less likely to get help for their psychological issues and more likely to face challenges and “a heightened risk for severe mental illness” (5).

What helps?

Research shows that people who are treated for depression or suicidal thoughts are far less likely to think about or attempt suicide (6).

To learn more about men’s mental health disparities go here: https://www.mhanational.org/infographic-mental-health-men

What is being done to help improve men’s mental health?

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By R. Ryan S Patel DO, FAPA OSU-CCS Psychiatrist

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be informative only. It is advised that you check with your own physician/mental health provider before implementing any changes. With this article, the author is not rendering medical advice, nor diagnosing, prescribing, or treating any condition, or injury; and therefore claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or injury caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the material presented.

References:

  1. https://menshealthnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/silenthealthcrisis.pdf
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/suicide-data-statistics.html
  3. https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2023/09/06/cleveland-clinic-survey-examines-the-current-state-of-mens-health-in-america/
  4. https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2023/09/06/cleveland-clinic-survey-examines-the-current-state-of-mens-health-in-america/
  5. McKenzie SK, Oliffe JL, Black A, Collings S. Men’s Experiences of Mental Illness Stigma Across the Lifespan: A Scoping Review. Am J Mens Health. 2022 Jan-Feb;16(1):15579883221074789. doi: 10.1177/15579883221074789. PMID: 35125015; PMCID: PMC8832600.
  6. https://afsp.org/what-we-ve-learned-through-research/#top-10-things-we-ve-learned-from-research