Tips for coping with feelings of loneliness over the holidays

The media images we see most during the holiday season involve smiling faces, large family gatherings and friends laughing and enjoying festive parties.

The experience for many people is far different than those images.

For those who are alone and don’t have family or are estranged from their family, Christmas can be a painful time of year.

Counsellor Jesslet Siluvairayan said society can create pressures for people about what Christmas really should be about.

She said the trick is finding out just what that is for each individual.

“Do something that will make you feel good. Do something that will make you feel special,” said Siluvairayan. “It can be doing exercise, or listening to some nice music or make a nice dinner for ourselves.”

She said if it can create happiness, and make you feel good, do it. She added it’s all about what your idea of happiness is.

“For some people it can be going and volunteering at the food bank, giving out some of the services that we usually receive from others. That can be happiness,” said Siluvairayan.

Siluvairayan said if you are feeling lonely this time of year, it is important to not get caught up in what society has set as the standard for what makes Christmas, as everyone has their own unique situation.

“Society puts it on them that it’s time to be with friends and family, and it adds a little more pressure for people,” Siluvairayan said.