We all associate Christmas with joy, warmth and family coziness. However, in times of war, this holiday can bring emotional exhaustion, loneliness or anxiety to many.
The Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine shared how to cope with difficult experiences and find support for yourself and your loved ones as part of the mental health program “Are you okay?”, UNN writes.
Why the holidays can be hard
Holidays intensify emotions. You may feel particularly acutely sad about the loss of loved ones; guilty for having the opportunity to celebrate; and anxious about those who are in danger.
How to cope with loneliness
Loneliness can make you want to withdraw, and this will only increase your sense of isolation. To break out of the emotional trap, connect with people. To do this, follow these tips:
Become part of the community by joining volunteer initiatives;
Spend time with your friends, neighbors, and family. Even a short conversation is an opportunity to feel needed and heard by both you and the people you are talking to;
Seek support through hotlines or social media communities.
Is it possible to celebrate when relatives are at war?
Celebrating in difficult times may seem inappropriate. However, joy is not a manifestation of indifference. It is a way to support yourself and others, to maintain emotional stability and energy to overcome difficulties.
Joy helps:
- strengthen ties with loved ones;
- to give children a sense of security and warm memories;
- continue traditions or create new ones.
If you don't want to celebrate
Holidays are not an obligation. If you don't want to participate in noisy parties or meetings, don't do it. Spend your time in the way you like: going for a walk, in silence, watching an interesting TV series or reading a book.
Take care of your own needs and avoid unnecessary stress.
How to work with experiences
Allow yourself to feel: if you want to be sad or cry, it's normal. Acknowledging your emotions and letting them out helps you release tension. Allow yourself to grieve, remember those who are missing, and cry if it brings relief.
Honor the memory of your loved ones: mention them in warm conversations.
Find a way to express your emotions: drawing, journaling, or other creative activities can be a way to make sense of your feelings.
Avoid alcohol and other psychoactive substances: they create the illusion of relief, but will only worsen your condition.
Do good: Volunteering or helping others can be a way to cope with guilt and feel important.
Communicate with your loved ones: it will give you a sense of support. At the same time, it is an opportunity to support those who need it.
Seek support: If you find it difficult to cope on your own, contact a mental health professional.
How to deal with anxiety
Plan enjoyable activities that help you feel happy and reduce stress. The anticipation of a pleasant event can be even more joyful than the event itself.
Do what you like: read, draw, clean, play sports.
Avoid unpleasant activities that cause anxiety or fatigue.
Walking, meditation, breathing exercises, or talking to loved ones, as well as tips from the self-help kit “You're fine” will help you calm down.
Where to look for help?
- If you need support, please contact our hotlines:
- The line of the National Psychological Association: 0 (800) 10 01 02
- Lifeline Ukraine suicide prevention line: 73 33
- Emotional support line of the International Organization for Migration (IOM): 0 (800) 21 14 44
- Hotline for wives and mothers of military personnel of the NGO “Women's Power of Ukraine”: 0 (800) 33 27 20
- Support line for men: 2345
- Veteran Hub's support line for soldiers, their families and loved ones: 0 (673) 48 28 68
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