Transforming Melancholy into Community Support
Written by: Dinelsa Morales, Ph.D, TFC, MSW Intern
For: Hispanic Family Counseling Inc. Newsletter December 2023 Edition
For many, holiday celebrations at this time of year should be one of celebration and joy. However, in reality, this is not the case for some. Many at this time are dealing with adaptation to a new place or change, the loss of a loved one, feelings of nostalgia and separation, loneliness, or do not understand that there is an environmental factor this time that makes us vulnerable to perceiving feelings of sadness and lack of motivation, among others. On most occasions, for those for whom this time is all happiness, it is difficult to understand that others do not perceive the same positive emotions.
The reality is that emotions are always perceived. Still, when active family participation is culturally required or more social gatherings are promoted, those who go through the anguish of the time will be more vulnerable to it.
For this reason, in this season, it is essential to remember:
• Do not invalidate or minimize the emotions of sadness or melancholy others may feel. On the contrary, learn to listen and support those who need it. Sometimes, silence is the best support.
• Try to invite into your moments of sharing those people who do not have family nearby or are dealing with losses or difficult memories in this season.
• If any of those close to you tells you that they prefer not to participate in places with a large conglomerate of people, please understand and take time to share with that person by inviting them to a coffee or lunch in a "one-to-one time." (This happens because sometimes family or sharing moments activate memories of the past more).
• If you identify someone you know or are close to who is going through a moment of distress during this season, send a message or call to say, "Hello! How are you?" It's very important.
Transform a melancholy time into a moment of community support, empathy, and love. It would help if you always had a helping hand to overcome a difficult time.