Tackling holiday loneliness

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Tackling holiday loneliness

Experts explain why feelings of isolation, depression spike during this season, how to mitigate them

CHICAGO --- As the holiday season approaches, it's a time many associate with joy and togetherness. Yet for millions, it's a period marked by loneliness.

A Northwestern Medicine study last spring found loneliness in adulthood follows a U-shaped pattern: it's higher in younger and older adulthood, and lowest during middle adulthood. Those feelings can be exacerbated around the holidays, said that study's corresponding author Eileen Graham.

"Young adults who are living in unfamiliar cities and setting up new social networks will often find ways to celebrate with Friendsgivings because they might not be coming home for the holidays," said Graham, associate professor of medical social sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "Others include older adults who have lost friends or spouses and, finally, people who have fewer resources."

But there are things people can do to feel better during this season, said Michele Kerulis, associate professor of counseling with the Family Institute at Northwestern.

"When one feels lonely on a regular basis, depression and other difficult emotions can arise. I recommend that people try these four things," Kerulis said:

• Find 'IRL' community: If you feel lonely, make in-real-life connections within your community so that you are in the physical presence of others. This might be a group fitness class, volunteering, a church or being among friends.
• Exercise: Exercising has known physical and mental health benefits, including feel-good neurotransmitters, which can provide temporary relief from unpleasant emotions.
• Prioritize self-care: Paying attention to your wellbeing and spending time engaging in activities that help you feel well can decrease feelings of loneliness.
• See a counselor: A licensed mental health counselor can help you examine your feelings of loneliness and help you develop long-term solutions to address these feelings.