December is known as a festive month, when cities around the world are lit up and gatherings mark reunions with longtime friends and family members. But that’s not the case for everyone. For some people, this can be an emotionally difficult time that can trigger end of year syndrome.
Also known as “December,” the concept originated 40 years ago when researchers at the University of Virginia in the United States were studying the worsening of mental disorders at that time.
Psychiatrist Ariel Lipman, director of the SIG Residência Terapeutica clinic, explains that the societally imposed need to feel happy at this time of year can be a trigger for some people. In addition, traditional family gatherings at Christmas and New Year celebrations can be stressful or sad for a variety of reasons.
“This can happen, for example, because of a bad relationship with relatives or the loss of a loved one who is no longer present on the date,” says Lipman.
toxic positivity
The need to feel happy and grateful at the end of the year can have the opposite effect and cause anxiety. Those who don’t share this celebration spirit may feel disconnected from others or as if something is wrong with them.
“You have to understand that there is no obligation to celebrate at the end of the year or to be healthy. Everyone is unique and it’s okay not to join in the celebrations of others.”
nonachievement of goals
Fear can also trigger the famous goal lists, full of items that haven’t been completed on time in the year that is coming to an end, and those that make it onto the New Year’s list.
“When we think of a yearend party, we also think of a cycle that is coming to an end, which means it’s normal to be worried about the promises of the coming year and even sad that it didn’t come in the year which is now ending to fulfill everything you wanted,” says Lipman.
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Anxiety is a type of mental condition characterized by constant and excessive worrying that something negative might happen. It’s also a diffuse discomfort, carried by a common sense of anxiety, that can trigger disorders, according to researchers at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) Peter Dazeley/Getty Images
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Brazil is the most anxious country in the world and recorded even more cases of the disease during the Covid19 pandemic. In addition to adults, anxiety can also manifest itself in children for a variety of reasons, such as parental divorce, exams, or problems at school, for example Elva Etienne/Getty Images
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Although anxiety is considered relatively common as it can affect anyone for any reason, it becomes a real problem when everything becomes a cause for undue concern and the patient begins experiencing seizuresTara Moore/Getty Images
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An anxiety crisis is a situation that causes a strong feeling of fear, nervousness and insecurity, as if something very bad is about to happen at any moment that is completely out of control Getty Images
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The crisis usually arises from certain stressful situations that generate triggers, e.g. B. Having to give a presentation, having a short deadline for a job, being in a place you don’t want to be, or having suffered a loss, for example Tara Moore/Getty Images
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Symptoms of an anxiety attack include: rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, tingling in the body, slight headache, chest pain, nausea, excessive sweating, tremors, among othersHolly Wilmeth/Getty Images
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These symptoms appear due to the surge of adrenaline hormone in the bloodstream, which is normal when the person is facing an important moment. However, if symptoms become constant, they could indicate generalized anxiety disorderKlaus Vedfelt/Getty Images
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What to do during an anxiety attack depends on the severity and frequency of the symptoms, so it’s always best to seek advice from a psychiatrist or psychologist. MICROGEN IMAGES/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images
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Even so, breathing exercises, soothing tea, trying to talk to someone you trust, resting, shutting down your mind, engaging in physical activities you enjoy, or trying to focus your thoughts on something that brings you comfort can all help donates, some tips that may help alleviate the problemJamie Grill/Getty Images
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When the anxiety crisis first strikes, or if you’re unsure what’s happening, it’s important to go to the hospital to make sure it’s not another, more serious problem, such as a heart attack. B. a heart attackScience Photo Library/Getty Images
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In any case, frequent crises should be seen by a specialist to determine the cause and initiate treatmentFiordaliso/Getty Images
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Anxiety can trigger problems that, depending on the symptoms, can be classified as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social phobia, panic syndrome, among others. These problems can affect the patient’s personal and professional life. The sooner the diagnosis is made, the less problems there will bekupicoo/Getty Images
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feeling of loneliness
For some people, the next few days can be marked by an increased sense of loneliness, particularly for those living alone with no contact with family members. The psychiatrist explains that even people who are comfortable with their own company report feeling more depressed during the holiday season.
But the feeling can also be touched in those who live with family. Despite their physical closeness, they may feel emotionally distant from others.
“Feeling lonely at the end of the year is not uncommon, and contrary to what many think, it’s not just for people who live alone or have no family members. Even people with apparently wellstructured families can be affected by this feeling,” explains the psychiatrist.
Greetings to those who have left
Traditional endofyear celebrations can take on a sadder and more melancholy tone after the loss of loved ones. The longing grows tighter as the grief is relived.
“The situation will certainly get worse if it is the first Christmas or New Year’s Eve that a person renounces a person who has already died, which is natural,” comments the doctor.
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