Psy - Why Christmas is not so merry for millenials
Holidays Bring Isolation, Anxiety And Stress
Loneliness during the holida ys is often associated with ol der people, but new research has revealed that millennials also struggle not only with isolation but stress and anxiety during what is supposed to one of the happiest times of the year.One in 10 people aged between 25 and 34 who took part in a recent survey by mental health charity Mind said that they have no one to spend Christmas with, compared with one in 20 older people.
“Every year, there is extra pressure to be happy , to have love surround you -and for me, it feels the loneliest because of this.My depression and anxiety always gets worse in December,“ said 24-year-old Caitlin Maggs.
The burden of financial stress affected half of millennials compared with a fifth of older people.And at a time when highly curated lives are splayed across social media a further third of the over 2,000 people surveyed said they dwelled on what they have failed to achieve in the year compared with 9% of older people. Compounding this is the pressure to keep up with friends and present the “perfect“ Christmas online.
The study chimes with the findings of other charities. Sarah Murphy head of advice and helplines at Rethink Mental Health said its supporters of all ages report that the pressure to be more cheerful and splash out on presents can cause mental strain exacerbating symptoms of panic attacks, depression, low-moods, and cause sleeping problems and even thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
Poor diets particularly those drowning in alcohol -can worsen existing mental health symptoms, while a busy social calendar can disturb important routines that help people cope with ill ness. Brimming social calendars, unbridled indulgence and cosy evenings with beloved and missed family members make Christmas a source of strength before the long winter months for many . But for those who struggle with mental illness or have far from nuclear families, the holiday-season is one they can't wait to see the back of.
“Every year, there is extra pressure to be happy , to have love surround you -and for me, it feels the loneliest because of this.My depression and anxiety always gets worse in December,“ said 24-year-old Caitlin Maggs.
The burden of financial stress affected half of millennials compared with a fifth of older people.And at a time when highly curated lives are splayed across social media a further third of the over 2,000 people surveyed said they dwelled on what they have failed to achieve in the year compared with 9% of older people. Compounding this is the pressure to keep up with friends and present the “perfect“ Christmas online.
The study chimes with the findings of other charities. Sarah Murphy head of advice and helplines at Rethink Mental Health said its supporters of all ages report that the pressure to be more cheerful and splash out on presents can cause mental strain exacerbating symptoms of panic attacks, depression, low-moods, and cause sleeping problems and even thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
Poor diets particularly those drowning in alcohol -can worsen existing mental health symptoms, while a busy social calendar can disturb important routines that help people cope with ill ness. Brimming social calendars, unbridled indulgence and cosy evenings with beloved and missed family members make Christmas a source of strength before the long winter months for many . But for those who struggle with mental illness or have far from nuclear families, the holiday-season is one they can't wait to see the back of.
No comments:
Post a Comment