Dealing with Festive Season Blues: SADAG is here to help you cope
Dealing with Festive Season Blues: SADAG is here to help you cope
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration. But for many, this time of the year can bring feelings of sadness, loneliness, Stress, or Grief. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) understands that the festive season isn’t joyful for everyone and wants to remind you that help is always available.
Understanding Festive Season Blues
SADAG’s Call Center Manager, Tracy Feinstein, shares insights into why the festive season might feel difficult for some people.
“The festive season can be incredibly hard for individuals dealing with Grief after losing a loved one, financial stress, or strained family relationships. For others, the isolation of not having family nearby or the Anxiety of social gatherings can make the holidays feel daunting instead of joyful,”
says Tracy.
“Our Counsellors speak to people every day who feel overwhelmed by expectations or reminders of what they don’t have during this time. It’s important for everyone to know that these feelings are valid, and help is available,”
adds Tracy.
Coping with the Festive Season Blues
If you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, here are some practical tips to help you navigate the holidays:
▪ Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to not feel festive. Give yourself permission to experience your emotions without judgment.
▪ Stay Connected: Reach out to a friend, family member, or Support Group. You don’t have to go through this alone.
▪ Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid the pressure to meet everyone’s expectations. Focus on what feels manageable for you. You don’t have to attend every event or gathering you are invited to.
▪ Take Care of Yourself: Eat well, rest, and engage in activities that bring you comfort and peace.
▪ Create New Traditions: If old traditions bring pain, try something new that feels meaningful to you.
▪ Seek Professional Support: If your feelings of sadness or Stress feel unmanageable and overwhelming, talk to a professional such as a GP, Psychologist, Registered Counsellor, Social Worker or call SADAG for help.
SADAG is Here for You Over the Holidays
While many services close over the festive season, SADAG remains open and ready to assist anyone in need. Whether you’re feeling down, dealing with Grief, or overwhelmed by Stress, our trained Volunteer Counsellors are here to listen and provide support.
How to Contact SADAG:
▪ Toll-Free Helpline: Call 0800 567 567 or 0800 456 789 (24 hours, 365 days a year) for free, confidential telephonic counselling. These numbers are toll-free so the call cost is free from any landline or cell number.
▪ SMS Counselling: Send an SMS to 31393, and a counsellor will call you back, available 24 hours a day.
▪ WhatsApp Support: Send a message to 087 163 2030 (8am – 5pm, 7 days a week) and chat live to a SADAG Counsellor for free online help.
▪ Online Support Groups: Visit our website at www.sadag.org for a list of online and in-person free Support Groups that are open throughout the festive season.
▪ Follow SADAG social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and Tik Tok for daily resources, practical coping tips, expert videos and articles, helpful tools and information to help you cope over the holidays.
▪ Visit the SADAG website www.sadag.org with resources, information, Mental Health safety plans, and self help tips that are freely and easily accessible.
You Are Not Alone
This festive season, remember that it’s okay to not feel okay. SADAG is here to ensure you have a safe space to talk, heal, and find hope. No matter what you’re going through, help is just a call or message away.
