Do you dread Xmas because of social phobia, depression or other mental health problem?
When society demands you have to be social and happy?
I think I am more aware of my depression when advertising, TV etc all seem to promote this as a happy time of year but then I think that’s just to be expected. Mostly I dread it because I always feel like a let down when I am around all of my family, but thinking about it this is mainly related to me having depression and anxiety. Also I dread it because there is so much food around and I have an eating disorder.
February 25th, 2010 at 12:07 am
I think it’s a stressful time for anyone who is doing the "family thing" . Hubby and I are doing it for the first time this year . I have suffered from depression for a number of years but not necessarily at Christmas. The best thing I can recommend is counselling. It has helped me enormously. Merry Christmas! CC.
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February 25th, 2010 at 12:43 am
Christmas is about children and family, of which I have neither, so yes I dread this time of the year tremendously. Your right, everyone is supposed to be happy and nice and I’m alone and miserable. I’m depressed a lot anyway, but it really hits hard this time of year.
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February 25th, 2010 at 1:13 am
i look forward to Christmas because of my children but i also feel a little down because i had a close friend commit suicide on boxing day about 10 years ago, also i had a miscarriage just after Christmas 3 years ago, after which i suffered depression so Christmas is also a bit sad for me. still make it happy for my children though and enjoy myself with them. i feel at least i have a family and a home at Christmas so i am grateful for what i have as there is always someone a lot worse of than yourself.
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February 25th, 2010 at 1:27 am
we don’t need xmas anymore…we’ve got everythinhg now
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February 25th, 2010 at 2:16 am
Most kids love Christmas. I have a child who is autistic and for over a month she has woken up every morning and asked "is it Christmas today"? She finds socialising a totally alien concept and because at Christmas we don’t follow our usual routines she becomes unbearable. For autistic people who live their lives round strict routine Christmas can be one of the worst times of the year. We are all meant to be happy and jolly and going out socialising. My daughter will be doing none of this and I am aiming for a very low-key Christmas. If only everyone else did the same.
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February 25th, 2010 at 2:35 am
No- just read my recent question. I’m mad as a brick, but I love Christmas. I’ve always been really shy, and before I had my present health problems I saw a Psychiatric Nurse for several years due to ’social phobia,’ and depression etc. You may find it hard to speak up and mix, but surely you must still enjoy getting prezzies, good food and drink, music, tv, seeing people and good humour etc..?
It doesn’t have to stop you at all.
Also people do not expect you to behave a certain way. At the most all they want is to see you joining in. I know when you feel insecure you imagine everyone is watching you, judging what you wear etc, but honestly they’re not. Just have a drink, and dare yourself to start a conversation with someone and if they get distracted pretend you’re really confident and butt in or go find someone else. Don’t imagine it’s because you’re sad or boring. If you genuinely want to get better, please try it. Force yourself. You might enjoy it!
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February 25th, 2010 at 2:57 am
Yes i dread it. Being social phobic i hate parties.
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February 25th, 2010 at 3:20 am
I think I am more aware of my depression when advertising, TV etc all seem to promote this as a happy time of year but then I think that’s just to be expected. Mostly I dread it because I always feel like a let down when I am around all of my family, but thinking about it this is mainly related to me having depression and anxiety. Also I dread it because there is so much food around and I have an eating disorder.
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February 25th, 2010 at 4:03 am
Ive been suffering with depression for 3 years. Just had a major bout of it, and for the first time in my life. I’m dreading Christmas, I’m not ready for it, and I don’t want it this year. were going to my mother in laws for Christmas, so I will have to grin and bear it.
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February 25th, 2010 at 4:30 am
I’ve suffered from depression for years. I do find Christmas much harder to deal with. I don’t socialise much, and I struggle with socialising, even at Christmas. I think the stress of it being the end of the year, and being so tired, it just makes depression worse around that time of year.
I love seeing the looks on people’s faces when they open the presents I get them, but other than that, I find Christmas hard.
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