The winter holiday season can be a joyous time for many, with so many holiday feasts and family and friend gatherings. If the weather is right, kids can play in the snow and adults can enjoy the warmth of a cozy coffee or hot chocolate and an even cozier hot meal.
For those who already feel down or isolated, battle depression or have limited resources, however, this can be the most difficult time of year.
The communal, celebratory atmosphere can make it hard to express very different feelings, especially loneliness. This year, celebrate the true holiday spirit by reaching out to your wider community, helping everyone feel seen and understood — even if happiness is currently not within their grasp.
Here are some ways to assist those in your community:
• Connect with your older neighbors or those who have limited mobility. If the power goes out, make sure they’re okay. Stop by for a visit, bring by a snack or offer them some assistance if there is snow on their stoop.
• Reflect on those within your network who may need attention this season. Do you have a friend who lost their job, a stepsister whose parent just passed or a coworker who just went through a break-up? Consider what might lift them up, but don’t force them into holiday cheer. Sometimes quiet, peaceful time with someone can count more than anything.
• Show understanding to those who don’t want to join big gatherings. Sometimes a crowd can be the worst thing for someone’s mental health. Many people have difficulty with all the sensory experiences of this holiday (the sheer number of sights, sounds and smells). If you have a family member who rejects your invitation to a holiday party, find another way to include them this season. Maybe a walk, movie night together or another simple event would be preferred.
• Help with food relief. This is a time when many people are experiencing food insecurity, so reach out to your local food pantry, such as Gleaners Food Bank. They are always grateful for donations, but if you can’t contribute money, you can contribute by volunteering: gleaners.volunteerhub.com.
• Volunteer with another organization. There are so many different community groups that could use assistance. Consider skills you have that could assist others or nonprofits that could just use another hand. One location where you can find many opportunities is indyhub.org/volunteer.
• Be open to traditions that are not your own. This is a time of year when those of many different faiths have holidays. If you are invited to participate in someone else’s religious or non-religious traditions, try to take part. If you feel uncomfortable doing so, offer an alternative activity you can do together. Make it clear that you value them.
• Expand your card list. If you are in the habit of sending holiday cards, add friends and family members to your list who typically do not get one. If they are not holiday fans, just send a simple note. It’s easy to forget just how special it feels to receive a personal note among the junk mail and bills we are all accustomed to getting.
• Reach out for mental health assistance if you are feeling depressed. For example, you can call the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center access line at 317-880-8491 to schedule an appointment. If you or someone you know is experiencing despair or suicidal thoughts or another mental health emergency, call the 988 Lifeline (just dial those three digits) or the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center emergency line at 317-880-8485.
The ways you reach out to others don’t have to be time-consuming or elaborate. Even simple gestures count for a lot this time of year. A little thoughtfulness goes a very long way.
Ananda Kannappan, M.D., primary care physician and Lifestyle Medicine practitioner with Eskenazi Health Center Grande