Good column. It expresses much of how I feel during the major holidays. Medications and therapy can only do so much. This year, my wife will be having major surgery the week before Christmas. I don't know how it will affect us yet. I hope to be so busy caring for her that I won't notice the holidays as much.
I hope, Gregg Bender, that your wife's surgery goes well - that her doctors and others get lots of rest before they help her. Please consider who you trust the most to be with you at some point. Even if you are an Introvert (I am one) others' presence in some way - physically or by email or call - matter. You will be busy caring for your wife and you too will need care. We carers are bad at it aren't we? Find a way to celebrate what you can to create some joy. If people ask if and how they can help, tell them. (I'm bad at this!) Maybe if you prefer to order your own food, gift cards for a food delivery service. Get a treat. (I love BakedByYael.com in DC - they ship!) Do something that will give your wife a treat. Please take care of you.
Thank you, John. I just recently discovered your column, I was present for the Zoom you hosted post-election. Your writing is beautiful and nourishing and true and life-giving. I wish for you a lightness of spirit today🙏💙🤗
For some, "the holidays" are such a difficult time. For me, long COVID adds to all the other tsuris. For others dealing with depression and physical illnesses, find support. One thing exacerbates another and for those of us who are also empaths, this time of year can be even more difficult. Here's to Hanukkah, Solstice, Kwanzaa and Christmas miracles for us all and for the world.
Thanks John. You just got a new paid subscriber. It's helpful just knowing that you're not alone with the heaviness. I feel that, for me, I want to at least be open to those moments of joy that might appear unbidden and surprise me. Depression has been like an underground river that has accompanied me my whole life, with occasional forays to the surface and moments of light. And as Gregg says: Medication and therapy can only do so much.
Thank you for your message. It expresses so accurately how depression and anxiety can suck all the joy out of the holiday season (been there, done that, wore out the T-shirt). I am particularly thankful that you pointed out that most people with long-term histories of these illnesses do their best every year to avoid inflicting sadness on their loved ones during the holidays.
My adult son has Huntington’s disease. He is in mid stages and suffers from extreme anxiety and apathy. It’s been years since he’s joined in any family holiday celebrations. I miss having him with us, and it always hurts my heart, but I know that it is what makes him most comfortable, and that’s what matters most. I set aside individual time with him, and he enjoys that.
A very thoughtful and compassionate piece. Holding all those in my heart who are struggling.
As Connie Schultz says: “May the day land gently.”
Good column. It expresses much of how I feel during the major holidays. Medications and therapy can only do so much. This year, my wife will be having major surgery the week before Christmas. I don't know how it will affect us yet. I hope to be so busy caring for her that I won't notice the holidays as much.
I hope, Gregg Bender, that your wife's surgery goes well - that her doctors and others get lots of rest before they help her. Please consider who you trust the most to be with you at some point. Even if you are an Introvert (I am one) others' presence in some way - physically or by email or call - matter. You will be busy caring for your wife and you too will need care. We carers are bad at it aren't we? Find a way to celebrate what you can to create some joy. If people ask if and how they can help, tell them. (I'm bad at this!) Maybe if you prefer to order your own food, gift cards for a food delivery service. Get a treat. (I love BakedByYael.com in DC - they ship!) Do something that will give your wife a treat. Please take care of you.
Thank you, John. I just recently discovered your column, I was present for the Zoom you hosted post-election. Your writing is beautiful and nourishing and true and life-giving. I wish for you a lightness of spirit today🙏💙🤗
"I will keep holding on through this season."
I will.
A good reminder to reach out to others during the holidays. Life seems better when I am helping others even in small ways.
For some, "the holidays" are such a difficult time. For me, long COVID adds to all the other tsuris. For others dealing with depression and physical illnesses, find support. One thing exacerbates another and for those of us who are also empaths, this time of year can be even more difficult. Here's to Hanukkah, Solstice, Kwanzaa and Christmas miracles for us all and for the world.
Thanks John. You just got a new paid subscriber. It's helpful just knowing that you're not alone with the heaviness. I feel that, for me, I want to at least be open to those moments of joy that might appear unbidden and surprise me. Depression has been like an underground river that has accompanied me my whole life, with occasional forays to the surface and moments of light. And as Gregg says: Medication and therapy can only do so much.
Thank you for your message. It expresses so accurately how depression and anxiety can suck all the joy out of the holiday season (been there, done that, wore out the T-shirt). I am particularly thankful that you pointed out that most people with long-term histories of these illnesses do their best every year to avoid inflicting sadness on their loved ones during the holidays.
Thank you. I needed to read this today. Will be sharing.
My adult son has Huntington’s disease. He is in mid stages and suffers from extreme anxiety and apathy. It’s been years since he’s joined in any family holiday celebrations. I miss having him with us, and it always hurts my heart, but I know that it is what makes him most comfortable, and that’s what matters most. I set aside individual time with him, and he enjoys that.