For most of us, the holiday season is a joyous time to spend with friends and family, but for others, it represents the time of year when feelings or feelings of isolation can reach their peak .
Older people are undoubtedly the most affected by loneliness during this time of year. In fact, a survey carried out in the United Kingdom revealed that around 5% of the population spends Christmas Day alone , which is why for many of our elders the Christmas holidays represent nothing but dark days in which their stress is exacerbated. feeling of loss and withdrawal.
Whether it is due to the loss of a loved one, exclusion from social activities due to lack of money, the breakdown of a relationship, a recent move to an unknown place … the triggers for which a person may feel lonely are many .
Loneliness can be significantly detrimental to mental and physical health , as it increases the risk of anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, high blood pressure, alcoholism, drug addiction, premature death … as various studies published in the journal have shown Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
So how do you deal with loneliness at Christmas?
Mind magazine has published a series of tips in this regard:
* Contact people you know: call them, write them a text message or an email, either to a friend or a member of your family. This will remind you that you have people to count on in your life.
* Go for a walk: something as simple as going for a walk, even if you don’t know the people you come across, is enough help to feel more connected to society.
* Make an effort to participate: do not hide, make the most of the opportunities to make social contacts, either by starting a conversation with a neighbor or chatting in a conversation in which you are integrated. Starting activities in book clubs, classes, gyms … can help overcome the feeling of loneliness.
