Well, The season is here - commercially at least - and it already has me down. I'm a sucker for the tv movies and specials and have already found myself watching several. The happy sappyness where everyone finds their love really get me down. The whole thing about the holidays is so depressing. Everyone around me is so happy and excited. For me, the commercialism of the holidays just reminds me of my isolation and unhappiness. I wish I could find some way to escape.

[Pierro]

Hey Rcat, Yes Christmas is getting nearer to Summer at least commercially anyway. A lot of people like you dont like Christmas. I have children so I have to put on my "happy face" and fake it.You perceive everyone to be happy,but, are they really?

[ArtsieLady]

Originally Posted by rcat

Well, The season is here - commercially at least - and it already has me down. I'm a sucker for the tv movies and specials and have already found myself watching several. The happy sappyness where everyone finds their love really get me down. The whole thing about the holidays is so depressing. Everyone around me is so happy and excited. For me, the commercialism of the holidays just reminds me of my isolation and unhappiness. I wish I could find some way to escape.

Hi rcat, it already has me down too.......I'm more alone feeling than ever, and this time of year is just the worst when you are in a deep depression. Take care

[DeeAnnaD1913]

Rcat, I totally agree. Not only has the holiday season always been depressing for me, for the past ten years it has also been a huge trigger for me w/ drugs and alcohol. So I have to try to be happy whilst staying clean through the holidays. If I can make it through the holiday season without messing up, I think I will be able to do this thing. God help me.

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Without messing up.

Exactly. I sometimes feel as though I were on show with everyone evaluating how I am performing. Everyone knows I am sick and I think they realize it's hard for me this time of year. Consequently I am feeling like everyone expects me to fall and are just waiting for when it will happen. As a result, I must keep a stiff upper lip and try to proove them all wrong. It is a battle to keep my chin up. And hence, I am on show determined not to show I'm down.

It's all very exhausting

[Tauren]

I usually love this season because I only see my family once a year at Christmas, but this year I'm dreading it because of conflicts with my sister.

[waterknob1234]

I like the holidays but they do get stressful with too many demands. This year I am so broke I can't afford it. I feel like I have to get something for my children even though they are 26 and 28. I probably won't buy much else for others because I just can't afford it. I have more bills than income. I will probably bake stuff to give away to other people.

[Rohag]

The holidays!
PsychCentral Special Report: Coping with the Holidays
Also, there are scads of PC threads from past years concerning the holidays.

May everyone who needs find something that helps.

[DeeAnnaD1913]

Originally Posted by rcat

Without messing up.

Exactly. I sometimes feel as though I were on show with everyone evaluating how I am performing. Everyone knows I am sick and I think they realize it's hard for me this time of year. Consequently I am feeling like everyone expects me to fall and are just waiting for when it will happen. As a result, I must keep a stiff upper lip and try to proove them all wrong. It is a battle to keep my chin up. And hence, I am on show determined not to show I'm down.

It's all very exhausting

THIS SUMS UP EXACTLY HOW I FEEL ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS. My Dad is coming to visit for my birthday in a couple weeks... He has been my biggest motivator throughout getting clean. (He is a recovering addict). I am nervous about seeing him bc the last time he was here, it was a disaster (this was before I got clean) so I know he will be evaluating my sobriety in a way.


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Waterknob - the financial pressures of the holidays make it difficult too, I agree.

I am on government disability and can barely afford my bills and groceries let alone buy a present. Even buying a package of greeting cards and postage really puts me back (I insist on doing this though because of my need to appear to people as being normal). I don't even have the money for baking.

Thankfully family knows my situation and I don't feel pressured to buy anyone anything. My father usually secretly gives me money so I at least can get my two adult children small token gifts. Dad will also front the costs of my putting on the holiday meal.

I still panic though about spending money over the holiday and feel so overwhelmed.

[emijec]

I'm broke, depressed, and alone. This christmas is not good. you're right Rcat, it does remind you of what you don't have. I can't wait for it to be over.