Anxiety is high during the end of the year.

[guynfl2chat]

It seems that each time from Thanksgiving until the New Year my anxiety is much higher. I dont know if anyone else feels this way. I think its maybe because of all the cheer and happy times that we are expected to have. I think I over think this time of the year and feel bad. I usually have to take my xanax more often this time of the year. I would appreciate anyone else sharing their feelings about this seasonal increase in anxiety. I have time off and I guess it gives me time to think about myself.

[Pris1980]

Yes I agree and can relate. It seems we are expected to be happier then usual just bc it's the holiday season, and with all the expectations it can make u focus more on those negative feelings and thoughts and what you dont have versus the opposite. I know that's what happens to me! Like today especially I have been so focused on my loneliness and how I have no one to come home to and some days are worse then others but it gets really lonely at times and I feel like no matter who i reach out to that sinking feeling is still there. I know it's my responsibility to lift myself up and shift my thinking patterns but sometimes it gets the best of me. I just feel like I need extra love and someone just to hug me and be there for me. It's awful to feel so alone but I know the answer lies in me and nobody else. Just know that you are not the only one who has these feelings and I'm glad we are all here to be open and be able to share this.

[guynfl2chat in reply to Pris1980]

I completely understand. It is that sense of loneliness and isolation that probably brings up the feelings. If you would like to talk private you can send me a private message.

[Ironj]

Maybe it’s the fact your thinking about shopping, spending money or both. There’s a lot of pressure this time of the year because of the 2 reasons I’ve pointed out.

[CraigJG]

For me it’s the thought of having to be around a lot of people and family. One thing my problems have caused me is very low self esteem that I project onto people as if they’re thinking the same about me too. I hope you start feeling better soon, it seems like a bad joke that we have to feel so terrible at a time of the year that centres around happiness and having a good time.

[Gidget1]

I think this time of year is harder for everyone. I personally blame the media. The news studios are decorated the day after Thanksgiving, all the ads are pressuring us to buy, buy, buy...

I feel responsible for making it a nice day.

Under pressure!!!

I turn off the TV as much as I can. It lightens all the voices saying, “ Do this. Do that. Treat your loved ones..., make it a special day, and so on.

If kids are involved, it’s really bad!

I also get post-holiday gloom. I had been focused on one day & then it’s like I hit a brick wall! NOW what am I supposed to do. It’s dead quiet!

It’s all unsettling.

Keep the Xanax handy and remember you have 364 days until you have to do it again! 😊

Take care, 🎄

[Indigojoe]

look at the bright side, at least you have xanax. Our doc's in this town will not dispense it. WE are famous for having a huge Heroin crisis here, 60 minutes did a story on us. whooo hoooo

[guynfl2chat in reply to Indigojoe]

Have you tried to get benzos outside of your area? I mean if you really need them. Florida is having a major opioid crisis and feel bad for people that really need them!

[Made4Match]

Hello!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings, I too can relate to some of what you shared.

Holidays can bring so many different emotions to surface. There's a lot of pressure to face internally, from our families, and even from society.

For me, I sometimes have to take a step back and remember what's most important to me during this time of year and why I'm celebrating what I'm celebrating. Taking a step back helps me to focus and gain better insight to what I'm doing. During this time I often stay away from social media and spend less time on my phone. I journal and write out what I'm most thankful for and why it matters to me.

I pour more time and energy into caring for myself and family, and the last two years of doing so have made such a positive difference for me. Self-care is so important and I always am reminded that taking that time for myself helps all around.

Do you feel you have the chance to care for yourself everyday?

[guynfl2chat in reply to Made4Match]

I dont care for myself sometimes like I should. I think i am very critical and its tough to turn that off.

[art62grammie]

Winter holiday months are known to cause more stress and anxiety. I think of things that I look forward to doing when spring hits. I keep busy during the winter months. Take care and wish you well.