Holidays & Mental Health

[SlayOut]

So I’ve struggled with anxiety and major depression for the majority of my life. And recently, I've been thinking maybe I have ADHD… but that’s for another thread, another time.
My mental health has been really flimsy the past few years, but in general, it always takes a turn for the worse around Halloween and into the New Year. I have the tendency to isolate, not want to be around people, and just have negative thought patterns about myself and life. I think a lot of it has to do with that fact that I don’t necessarily have an established friend group that I can do holiday-related things with, whether it be Halloween parties, Friendsgiving, Christmas gift exchanges, etc..

Basically, I’m wondering if anyone else deals with worsened mental health during the holidays, and what you do to cope? I’m not necessarily talking about just eating better, drinking water, taking baths, or exercising (which are all important to do anyways [and which I do already]). I guess I’m wondering how or if you put yourself out there in a way that makes the holidays more enjoyable/tolerable.

[JayTawndre]

I would not expect this from such a confident person like yourself. But I totally get it. I can relate. One hundred percent. It gets better. But during the Holidays I am reminded of so many family deaths and how they are not here like my parents, my aunts and uncles, my brother. It is hard 

[Neydelinska Spearsi]

Sounds like a hit of seasonal depression. You can DM me if you feel like talking. I know it sucks for some people to share their thoughts publicaly so DMs are the best.

Stay strong!

[SlayOut]

On 10/31/2021 at 7:48 PM, JayTawndre said:

I would not expect this from such a confident person like yourself.

I know I may be young… but… I’ve got feelings too.

On 10/31/2021 at 7:48 PM, JayTawndre said:

But I totally get it. I can relate. One hundred percent. It gets better. But during the Holidays I am reminded of so many family deaths and how they are not here like my parents, my aunts and uncles, my brother. It is hard 

That is really tough. I’m sorry the holidays are painful and difficult for you.

[SlayOut]

22 hours ago, FreeBritBrit said:

Sounds like a hit of seasonal depression. You can DM me if you feel like talking. I know it sucks for some people to share their thoughts publicaly so DMs are the best.

Stay strong!

Thanks for this offer! I’ll keep this in mind!

[Jordan Miller]

I think it's really important as a community that we support one another. Appreciate you writing this. I think mental health convo still has stigma surrounding it. I'd love for Exhalers to continue to feel free to share their thoughts about it. Thank you @SlayOut

[Markoct]

Sending u love