FESTIVE-THEMED PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT

AS the year approaches its end, many people are gleefully looking forward to delving fully into the sprightly festive spirit. Rightfully so, because by most accounts, it has been nothing short of another abrasive year that has seen hardships and challenges served up to both individuals and the country in general.

You would probably get a hundred different accounts from a hundred different people about how their year has gone, and with that as a backdrop, and after being taken through such a vigorous emotional trip, it only makes sense that many people are excited about the positivity, festivities and the general stress-free nature of the festive season. In the mental health camp, we are very much in favour of the cheery spirit that the end-of-year holidays bring with them; the coming together and reconnection of families and their members, the party atmosphere that lingers on, as well as how these environments allow individuals to unwind, de-stress, and mentally relax, providing numerous psychological benefits to human beings, especially after the year’s exertions.

A key component of, and what is traditionally associated with this time of year is family: The ‘linking up’ of family members who have not seen each other for however long, the rekindling of bonds through shared meals and shared laughter and being in the general company of people we consider our loved ones is almost the hallmark of this time of year.

Reality

Again, for individuals who have been ‘up against it’ physically or psychoemotionally since the beginning of the year, this is the perfect environment and almost perfect ending to the year if you have a home and a family that can offer such. However, oftentimes reality favours to differ, and in all honesty, it is not everyone who has the same luxuries in terms of what we call home or family. Instead of a warm, homely atmosphere, other home environments (unfortunately) offer the opposite: Cold, volatile and mentally-toxic arena.

This is worth pointing out because, at home and with our families, is where we spend a large chunk of our time during this time of year and if most of this time we are exposed to a judgemental, non-welcoming, argumentative, and discouraging environment, it does not bode well for the prospects of our mental health. As proven, tensions in families can sometimes run high, and conflicts are a part of the nature of families; however, these are better off shelved sometimes in order to promote a healthier stay for visiting family members especially. A special mention goes to the many more people who are without families (at all) for various reasons, as this time may sometimes prove to be the loneliest for them, with very few and sometimes emotionally-distant people for them to spend time with.

It is at these times that feelings of isolation, thoughts of self-persecution and depression begin to take shape as a consequence of lacking psychosocial support. It is incredibly vital that as these holidays continue to approach, the homes we plan to head to are conducive for us in terms of our psychological recovery this year-end. Equally vital is the fact that we spend our recovery in the right way, the most beneficial way and preferably in the midst of the right company. Give to those who lack for your own benefit and be the best form of support you can be to your family members. Send comments to: runsford0505@gmail.com

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