Happy New Year.....or?

It is appropriate to say Happy New Year, it is the beginning of a new year, and we do wish people well during this time. It is more prominent this time of year than many other times. Holidays always seem to bring out the sentiment in people. This is a time of looking back on last year, and making goals and dreams for the new year that we have just entered. This is a time that we celebrate with our family and friends. It is a time of new beginnings.
So why don't I feel like celebrating? Why does the beginning of a new year bring on feelings of anxiety? Why can't I be happy? Many people ask these questions during this time of the year. We have just spent the last two months being thankful, spending too much money, eating way too much, and gift giving/receiving. That is a lot to deal with. If you are a parent you are also dealing with children who are not in school and what to do with them during the days. It is considered the most wonderful time of the year. And lets face it, spending time together, seeing happy faces, eating yummy things, and all of the beautiful colors that are present during this time of year are beautiful.
For some people this time of year is the most stressful. It can also be a time of hurt and pain. This time of year does not always come as a happy time.
Now that we are in the new year the celebrations are almost over, and the dullness of the winter sets in. The next holiday to look forward to is another holiday that brings stress and pain for some people. The days are short, the nights are long, and it is cold. Some places the winters keep us cooped up and unable to get out like we want. In other places it is uncomfortable warm for this time of year. For all of us it is dark long before we are ready to settle in for the evening. Even though by calendar terms we just started winter, it seems that it has been among us for a long time. Now we are just waiting for spring, and that show of new life happens. For many of us it gets hard to look at everything seemingly dead. No color except for white, grey, black, and brown. Unless you look up at the sky, and hopefully you will see the brilliance that is in the winter blue sky. This time of year is not easy, lets face it, it sucks.
Some of us start feeling depressed, or are hurting and we are not sure why. Sometimes the sadness is there and does not seem to let up. Some of us feel like we are bouncing off the walls because we are stuck inside. Some of our relationships start to feel not so good. The realization of money and how much we do or do not have becomes very clear. Sometimes, this time of year brings on the need to have someone to talk to. Someone that we can open up to without fear of upsetting anyone, or feeling needy.
Therapy this time of year is very common. Sometimes it is a short-term need, and sometimes it is something that is deep down that needs more attention. If you are finding that you are in need of this, please know that it is OK, and that you deserve to talk to someone. It is not always easy to make the decision, but once you do you will likely feel relief.
I would love to welcome you to my office. I would also welcome you to continue reading my blogs if you are not ready.
This time of year is difficult, give yourself the give of self-care.
Happy New Year!

Put a little HOPE in your day!

Renee