Do You Dread This Time of Year?

"During the holidays, we're often surrounded by people and environments who are all wrapped up in the joy and chaos of the season. You may not share their enthusiasm, at least not this year, and feel left out. Perhaps you try, but are just going through the motions, either for the sake of appearances or for friends and family members."

"You may feel that your life has been interrupted by your mood disorder or other mental health condition and has not become what you had hoped for, that you're missing out on the connections, relationships, life events, successes, or experiences you see others enjoying. You might believe that life is for other people. This can lead to enormous stress and distress."

Those living with mood disorders may find adapting to holiday routine changes especially difficult. Low mood and reduced energy make participation in year-end activities challenging, leading some to go through the motions for appearances. Feelings of missing out on relationships, successes, and life events can foster shame, isolation, and heightened stress. Family-focused holiday expectations can intensify pressure to engage in traditions that feel unappealing or exhausting. Idealized images of how the season 'should' be increase disappointment when reality does not match them. December stress also arises from disrupted daily routines and an overload of responsibilities and obligations.

Read at Psychology Today