Key Takeaways:

  • The holiday season can be a challenging time for mental health, as individuals often feel pressure to fit in and wear masks to hide their true selves.
  • It is important to prioritise self-acceptance and belonging over fitting in, as true connection and peace come from embracing one’s authentic self.
  • Grief, trauma, and other mental health challenges do not take a holiday, and it is essential to acknowledge and validate these emotions during the festive season.

Embracing Authenticity and Belonging

The holiday season is often associated with joy, love, and peace. However, for many individuals, it can also be a time of heightened stress and mental health challenges. Eddie Reaiche, highlights the pressure to fit in and wear masks during this time. He notes that many people feel the need to present a certain image to their families and communities, often sacrificing their true selves in the process. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a loss of self-identity.

Natalie Moujalli, emphasises the importance of embracing authenticity and belonging over fitting in. She suggests that true connection and peace come from being vulnerable and honest with ourselves and others. By letting go of the need to conform to societal expectations, individuals can find a sense of belonging based on their character and values rather than their reputation.

Eddie adds that it can be scary to be vulnerable and show our true selves, as we fear rejection and judgment. However, he reminds us that we are all unique and that our differences should be celebrated. By accepting and loving ourselves, we can overcome the fear of not being good enough and find true belonging.

Navigating Grief and Loss During the Festive Season

The holiday season can be particularly challenging for those who have experienced loss or are dealing with grief. Eddie shares a poignant song by the Piano Guys called “The Sweetest Gift,” which explores the pain of losing a loved one. He acknowledges that grief is a personal journey and that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. It is essential to allow ourselves to feel the emotions associated with loss and to find solace in the belief that our loved ones are with God.

Natalie adds that grief is the result of an abundance of love that cannot be expressed to the person it is meant for. She encourages individuals to give themselves permission to feel their emotions and to acknowledge and validate their grief. At the same time, she emphasises the importance of finding a balance between feeling and parking these emotions when necessary, especially during the holiday season when there may be pressure to be joyful and festive.

Managing Expectations and Obligations

The holiday season often comes with a myriad of expectations and obligations, which can be overwhelming and exhausting. Natalie highlights the need to set boundaries and prioritise self-care during this time. It is crucial to recognise that it is impossible to please everyone and that it is okay to say no to certain events or activities if they are not aligned with our well-being.

Eddie shares a personal experience during the COVID-19 pandemic when his family had to cancel their Christmas plans due to his daughter testing positive for the virus. While it was a smaller and more intimate celebration, he found it to be a relaxing and meaningful experience. This serves as a reminder that the holiday season should be about quality time with loved ones rather than the quantity of events or the pressure to conform to societal expectations.

Conclusion

The holiday season can be a time of both joy and challenges for mental health. It is important to prioritise self-acceptance, authenticity, and belonging over fitting in and wearing masks. By embracing our true selves and allowing ourselves to feel and navigate emotions such as grief and loss, we can find solace and connection during this time. Managing expectations and obligations is also crucial for maintaining mental well-being. By setting boundaries and prioritising self-care, individuals can create a more meaningful and peaceful holiday season for themselves and their loved ones.

 

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