Christmas is just around the corner, and it has become impossible to go food shopping without seeing festive treats, decoration bundles, and the latest humorous Christmas jumpers. But, while some people are getting excited and look forward to the celebrations, others can struggle with extreme stress levels.
Christmas is a source of stress and anxiety for many individuals. According to a YouGov survey, 51% of women and 35% of men reported finding Christmas stressful. For many, there are elements of financial stress, as the need to purchase presents and prepare for Christmas dinner can add to the debt of Britons. But there’s a lot more than a money issue when it comes to Christmas stress.
Your mental health can be dramatically affected during the festive season. Indeed, as Christmas happens during the time of the year when days are the shortest and nights the longest, it isn’t uncommon for people to experience depressive moods as a result of seasonal affective disorder. Additionally, family gatherings can be awkward, especially when it comes to preparing for those, socialising with a large number of people at once, and managing everyone’s expectations.
For others, Christmas is a lonely time, and it can be acerbated by the fact that everyone else is celebrating with their family.
As such, anxiety and fear can make an appearance during Christmas time, so it is important to prioritise self-care this season.
For neurodivergent individuals, Christmas can be a difficult time too.
Social expectations: Christmas brings with it a multitude of social gatherings and expectations for festive interaction. For neurodivergent individuals, the pressure to conform to societal norms and engage in prolonged social activities can be overwhelming.
Sensory overload: The holiday season often involves heightened sensory experiences, from flashing lights to festive music. Neurodivergent individuals are more likely to be sensitive to sensory stimuli and can find the environment highly anxiety-inducing.
Routine disruption: Neurodivergent thrive on routine, and the disruptions caused by Christmas festivities can be challenging for them to navigate.
What are popular coping strategies for neurodivergent Christmas stress?
Preparation and stress-reducing items: Many neurodivergent individuals find solace in preparing for Christmas by ensuring they have stress-reducing items on hand. These may include using vapes for sensory stimulation, for example, and they sometimes buy vapes bulk ahead of the festivities. This could also be investing in noise-cancelling headphones to manage overwhelming auditory input.
Limiting socialising: Recognising the potential stressors of extended social engagements, neurodivergent Christmas may focus on limiting socialisation. For example, this could involve selecting smaller gatherings or preparing for shorter visits to maintain a balance that suits their comfort levels.
Alone time to recharge: Booking alone time becomes crucial, and it can be helpful to block time during and after Christmas. This will allow you to take a break from social activities and ensure you can recharge your social battery. When it comes to managing neurodivergent needs during Christmas, time away from others is necessary to prevent neurodivergent burnout.
Advocating for special accommodations: The idea that neurodivergent family members should try harder for the enjoyment of everyone else is not only counterproductive but impractical. Neurodivergent relatives have just as much right as anyone else to make requests for their well-being, such as asking for food accommodation or not being included in some gathering parties.
In conclusion, while Christmas is a time of celebration, it is essential to acknowledge that it can be extensively stressful and difficult for others. This year, it is time to make a more inclusive Christmas for all.