Caring for Your Mental Health During the Holidays

The holidays are often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many people, they can be complicated. If you’re someone who is estranged from family, or if your childhood was marked by emotional neglect, this season can stir up grief, loneliness, and feelings of disconnection. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and that your experience is valid.

Family gatherings and nostalgic traditions can bring up painful reminders of what was missing or what still hurts. You might feel pressure to “be merry,” even when that doesn’t align with how you truly feel. Give yourself permission to honor your emotions rather than suppress them. Sometimes, the best gift you can give yourself is honesty.

If you’re spending the holidays apart from family, try creating your own version of connection and comfort. That might mean hosting a “friends-giving,” volunteering, spending time in nature, or simply crafting a quiet day of rest and reflection. Chosen family, the people who truly see and support you, can be just as meaningful as biological relatives.

Practicing self-compassion is essential. The wounds of emotional neglect often make us feel undeserving of care, but healing begins when we offer ourselves the gentleness we may have never received. 

Take small steps: reach out for support, set boundaries, and remind yourself that your worth isn’t defined by your family story.

The holidays can hold both pain and possibility. By showing up for yourself with kindness, you create new traditions, ones rooted in truth, healing, and hope.