12/15/2025
While I wish everyone a very Happy Holiday season, I also want to acknowledge that the holiday season isn’t happy and merry for everyone. In fact, for some, this can be a very painful and difficult time. This can be due to trauma, grief/loss and or loneliness that are associated with this time of year. The holidays can magnify this because they’re so tied to memories, expectations, and togetherness.
IIT CAN BE HELPFUL TO:
• Reach out for support from trusted loves ones, friends, family, community resources and/or a professional counselor.
• Acknowledge your feelings and emotions without judging them.
• You do not have to put on a mask of “holiday cheer” when you are struggling and feeling the weight of the holidays.
• You are allowed to be somewhat selfish. Self awareness is the key, asking self, “what will be helpful and what will be too difficult and trigger too much pain?” You are allowed to try to attend holiday events or parties and leave early with no explanation if you find it to be too much.
• People can often have a tendency to isolate. There is a big difference between isolation and solitude. Isolation can often worsen feelings of loneliness and depressed feelings. Solitude can be helpful if you are feeling overwhelmed or the need for some alone time to process and recharge.
• It is okay if you are feeling lower levels of energy when experiencing these challenges during the holidays. It can help to focus on self care, such as attention to routine, sleep and rest.
When trauma, stress, or emotional shutdown start affecting your life, therapy can help you find real relief. I work with adults from all walks of life — including first responders, veterans, and professionals in high-pressure roles — to process what’s stuck and feel more steady in their day-to...