A Therapist's Advice For Getting Through Pandemic Holidays

Loneliness

Andrea Bonior offers insights into managing loneliness during the pandemic holidays by encouraging self-compassion and practical activities. She suggests discarding traditional expectations and focusing on what genuinely brings comfort, such as engaging in meaningful conversations or acts of kindness 1. Andrea emphasizes the importance of reaching out for support, noting that many people hesitate to seek help due to comparisons with others 2.

If you need help, then you are deserving of help, period, full stop.

--- Andrea Bonior

The increased accessibility of virtual therapy services is a silver lining, offering more opportunities for connection and support.

   

Anger

Addressing anger during the holidays, Andrea advises acknowledging and expressing feelings to family members, even if their response isn't as hoped 3. She highlights the physical nature of anger and recommends physical activities like dancing or walking to manage it 3.

Anger can teach you something, really, you know, if you keep listening to it in a way of how can I channel this into action?

--- Andrea Bonior

Andrea also discusses the disappointment in loved ones not sharing similar values, suggesting acceptance of their limitations while maintaining personal boundaries 4.

   

Stress

The pandemic has intensified holiday stress, with many traditional coping mechanisms unavailable. Andrea acknowledges the inevitable sacrifices but stresses the importance of prioritizing safety and the bigger picture 5. She encourages finding comfort in small joys and adapting expectations to the current reality.

There's no way to not sacrifice certain things. But I do think that the big picture matters so much that we're trying ultimately to keep each other safe.

--- Andrea Bonior

This approach can help individuals navigate the season with a focus on well-being and community care.