Lonely at Christmas
 

Hello. No one may remember me but I used to post years ago on the PTSD forum on the old Braintalk. Whether or not that is a relevant piece of information, I don't know. Or even if that is good news or bad news, I don't know that either. Oh well, it kind of looks like I don't know a lot of things, doesn't it?

Anywho, I was wondering if I am the only person on the planet that is alone and depressed on Christmas. I know I can't be the ONLY one. Or is it that most people are ashamed or embarrased to admit it. I understand that nobody wants to rain on someone else's parade. But really, the only way to not feel alone is to know that you are not alone.

Please accept my apologies for just bumbling in here. In a way, I know that this is a personal vent on behalf of myself.

I also wish that there was a Forum for Emotional Support here. It seems appropriate.

Thank you for listening to me and a Blessed Christmas to all.

Looking4hope

:hug:looking4hope:hug:

yes, it is very hard when one is feeling lonely and low at a time when the world is so focussed on holly jolly gatherings with friends and family.

I am so glad you posted and want you to know you will always find support and companionship here.

Blessed Christmas to you too, and I pray that you will be very aware of God with you today, and of His love.

Cheri

Hi ,
even thought you aren't actually a new member - i copied your post to that forum {New Members}. Generally it gets more views and I think some will be able to point you to others in similar circumstances.

I know there are others that are alone at theses Holidays.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread34683.html

Many thanks to both of you for your quick reply. I feel better already. :)

I heard the other day that folks often feel stressed due to unrealistic expectations during the holidays.
This occurs in a variety of different ways. Presents, relatives, time, money, energy, etc.
The other thing that happens is that we think that we should have some picture perfect life with a large, happy go lucky family.
Very few people have such a situation. It is extremely rare.
Almost everyone has to learn to work around a variety of circumstances.
The holidays makes us think that we are somehow different...when in fact...we might be more typical than we realize.
I wish somehow the media could do things a little differently.
You certainly are not the only person on the planet with these struggles.
Personally, I find reading uplifting/positive literature/books helpful when I feel lonliness...although I recognize that this doesn't work for everyone.
Wishing you a peaceful and happy holiday and new year.

Hi, LookingForHope...
 

Technically it isn't Christmas any longer, but I think I do understand the feelings you are having. I hope you listened with faith to Chemar, because she is very right. God was with you today, all day long.

I also feel kinship with what Value Lady said. There are many kinds of loneliness in the world. I am currently married, with three children, a brother, four sisters, and all of the extended members of family which they bring along. I spent the afternoon at my mother's house today, surrounded by people I've known and loved for all my life. Yet because of current factors, several times I looked around at everyone surrounding me, and still felt all alone. Or maybe more accurately, very out of place. I felt it so much that I wanted to be alone, where at least I could express my loneliness openly, instead of having to pretend that I was having a wonderful time.

But even though the media and retail corporations have invested so many years into pressuring us to believe in their version of Christmas, I think that we all need to have a version of our own. One we can strive for. Maybe next year I'll be in a better emotional place, and that could make my physical surroundings take on a whole different appearance and meaning.

Anyway, I want you to know that I personally do wish that you found some happiness this Christmas. I hope that something made you smile, and maybe gave you a warm feeling inside for at least a while. I don't say this just to be felicitous, but actually feel it in my heart. I've spent the last fifteen minutes thinking of nothing else but you. May God bless you, LookingForHope, and may your future Christmasses be ones for others to envy. :hug: