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

Coping with Homesickness

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

For college students, leaving home and going to college brings a lot of new and exciting opportunities, along with challenges.  This transition can also be stressful, and a time when college students might feel home sick, especially during the first few weeks of starting school.

The JED foundation, offers some helpful  strategies to deal with feelings of homesickness:

  • Bring something to college that gives you comfort and/or reminds you of home, such as pictures of friends and family or your favorite set of sheets.
  • Get involved with campus organizations and activities. As these connections strengthen, feeling of loneliness will ease.
  • Make a plan to stay connected with your existing support network. This contact can be in the form of phone/video calling, texting, and other ways of communicating with loved ones from home; including seeing them in person.
  • Try to find a balance between keeping in touch with friends and family with time spent getting to know your new surroundings and new people.  After the first few days or weeks it might be good to try to cut back on this a bit and to focus more on campus life and school.
  • Don’t isolate: sign up for activities, meet people on your hall, find study groups for your classes, get involved in a religious group, or attend a club that you normally wouldn’t attend.
  • Homesickness usually goes away after a few weeks, but if it doesn’t there are other resources available for you on campus to help you work through a difficult transition period.

In addition, it may be helpful to plan some time to visit friends/family a few weeks ahead and periodically during the semester.  This may also give you something positive to look forward to.

What are some helpful campus resources?

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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.