Re: holiday season and depression :( -
December 19th 2015, 05:49 AM
Hey, Ryan.
Christmas time is a wonderful time, but it must be really hard not having family to spend it with. I'm sorry to hear this, Ryan. I'm glad you opened up here, though, because you've got friends here and we're here to remind you that you aren't alone and that we do care. I'll surely be around to wish you a Merry Christmas!
Is there any family members whom you could make a "peace offering" with? Christmas can be a time of bonding and forgiveness. I was wondering if there's any family members that treat you decently that you could develop a healthier, closer relationship with? You could reach out by visiting and giving a gift. It doesn't have to be expensive, just something small but thoughtful. Even a simple Christmas card explaining you miss that person and would like to spend time with them again. I'm not sure if those options are possible, or if there's any family members you could resolve issues with, but I really do hope so.
I can't imagine how hard it must be to spend Christmas alone. I can see why it would make you feel depressed. I think it'd make the majority of people feel depressed. Would it be possible for you to find another way to celebrate? You deserve to be able to enjoy Christmas as well. How about volunteering? Usually there are volunteer options around Christmas Eve/Christmas day, such as a soup kitchen for instance. That way you'd be able to give to others, while being around others and socializing. You don't have to be alone and you shouldn't be alone on Christmas.
I can understand how everything you go through would make you turn to alcohol as a way to escape and cope with how you feel. But I do think that doing your best to stay sober will benefit you more than alcohol does. I remember when you posted a thread about how you'd been free from alcohol for awhile and you were feeling a lot better both emotionally and physically. I was happy to hear that, and I know you can do it again, you know? Take it one day at a time and slowly depend less on alcohol. You deserve to spend Christmas free from alcohol, because you should be able to feel good and healthy.
Despite all the difficulties, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Ryan. Take care and hold on.
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