National Domestic Violence Awareness Project

profeminist:

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…except when, you know, everything is bad and you’re not OK. And even though feeling sad /anxious/ lonely/ broken/ stressed in December is really common, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to deal with, or even talk about. Looking at picture-perfect families in matching Christmas jammies can feel terrible if you can’t or won’t be seeing any loved ones this year, or if you’ve just experienced a major loss. Meanwhile all of those “best of” reflections on the past year can really sting when you look back at your year and it…kind of sucked. In fact, so many things about the holidays seem designed to make you feel inadequate that frankly, we’re in awe of anyone who manages to stay merry and bright through the new year.

Because here’s the thing — we don’t live in Hallmark movies; we live in the real world, where shitty families, breakups, divorces, miscarriages, death, unemployment, depression, anxiety, addiction, violence, and good ol’-fashioned bad times exist. It’s OK to not be OK around the holidays, and it’s a good idea to make a plan for how you’ll take care of yourself. So if you’re going through it right now, we have some ideas that might help, if only a little.

Of course, because crappy holidays come in so many shades, not all of these tips will be right for you. Do a gut check about whether or not something will actually help you; if your instincts say something will only make you feel worse, don’t force it. Ultimately, be kind and gentle to yourself, and know that we see you.”

Read the full piece here