The holidays can be a stressful time of year for those who feel the pressure of spending them with their loved ones. This pressure can be especially painful when their loved ones have passed on or have been removed from their lives. For birth mothers, adoptees, and even adoptive parents, loneliness can oftentimes cause high levels of anxiety and depression, especially when it comes to family. Loneliness can also be accompanied by feelings of shame, isolation and alienation, although these feelings are caused by different things for everyone. Adoption Choices of Texas is here to help with these trying times!
Why this loneliness happens
Loneliness is a very unpleasant feeling. During the holidays, this feeling is intensified because there is a great expectation for people to spend time with loved ones. Sometimes, though, that just isn’t possible or comfortable. So shame begins to creep into the mix, which only causes people to turn away from social interaction even more. Relationships provide protection for people from loneliness.
People also don’t really talk about loneliness and how that affects them. This can cause feelings to bubble inside, without any outlet for them to turn to. Social media can have a part in this, too, since personal social interaction is usually reduced when scrolling through various feeds.
What can be done to overcome this feeling
There are some steps that can be taken to overcome loneliness. Here are some of the ways one can feel less lonely:
- Express your feelings. Don’t ignore what you’re feeling. By pushing away your thoughts of being lonely and isolated, the problem won’t be solved, and you’ll continue to feel the way you do. Adoptees can share how their feelings with their parents, as they will most likely be more than willing to help. Birth mothers might talk to a close friend or supportive family member.
- Simplify. Holiday traditions don’t need to be extravagant. If you’re feeling stressed about a way you or your family celebrate this season, find new ways to celebrate that work better for you.
- Find Help.Talking with friends and family about how you feel is always a good step. Though, if those support groups aren’t available, seeking a professional may be the better alternative. One could also find new, local support groups that would understand what you’re dealing with.
- Take care of yourself. A great way to improve one’s self worth is to exercise and partake in healthier foods, which may be difficult to do during the holidays. Though, even if you’re taking a walk with a friend or having an extra portion of a salad, you can find gradual ways to improve yourself. Happy hormones are released when exercising, which can help relieve feelings of loneliness. One can also partake in more positive social media feeds and talk face-to-face with people instead, if possible.
These steps may not make one’s feelings of isolation and depression go away completely or immediately. If these feelings persist, one should look into seeking professional help from a therapist or psychologist. As a birth mother or adoptive parent with Adoption Choices of Texas, you can always reach out to your adoption specialists for support.
