Problem: I am not looking forward to the holidays. It seems like with all that is going on in our country it is going to be the least holiday spirit I’ve ever had. I am overwhelmed and have been on a downward spiral emotionally. So much violence and all that is shown on television is very depressing to me.
My husband and I remain close, but we live in a small community where neighbors seem to want to add to this depressing time, by adding more topics of doom. Believe me when I say I can do that all by myself without the neighbors input. Truthfully, I am avoiding friends who only want to talk about the bad news. I find it heartbreaking, and I wonder what this is doing to our kids?
I want them to leave me out of the conversation and actually just leave me alone. I can’t just move away although it has occurred to me. Can this kind of thing cause depression? I find myself short with people, avoiding friends and just generally disgruntled.
Discussion: I think a steady diet of bad news can ruin your day. Let’s just say that hearing something over and over again can cause your thinking to turn to the dark side. I am not sure that you work outside the home, but it’s a good time of the year to get out of the house and go for a walk. Turn the TV off and swear off bad news for a week or two.
I heard one time that when you do a little kindness for others it enriches your life. There are always people who need a little cheering up. Nursing homes need people to talk to their residents as they don’t always have a lot of company. There are just so many things you can do for yourself and others. You could say that you’re on a diet of hearing only good news. You could tell the truth of your situation and say I just don’t want to hear more bad news.
Here is the main thing, turn the bad news off. Read a good positive book. Listen to motivational podcasts and stay away from negative. It has been said that you are what you listen to, so change what you listen to. A favorite writer and speaker who passed awhile back was Wayne Dyer. I listened to and read his material. There are so many good people to listen to. Just change it up a little.
Things change all of the time, and life changes. You can take charge of yourself and stay away from things and people that bring you down. Your holiday is your holiday. Try and plan little by little, small things that make you feel festive. Have a small gathering of possibly positive people. You are in charge of your life, do something kind.
Wayne Dyer quote: When you are in doubt about what to do: BE KIND!! To yourself and others.
To submit problems, contact Juanita Sanchez, psychotherapist, by email at [email protected] or through High Plains Journal.
