Every year you dread Christmas and you can’t get rid of that feeling of boredom when it comes. You do not understand why, after so many years, this vacation period still plunges you into such distress. Could something deeper be at play here?
Well, if your anxiety over the holidays has become a permanent obstacle for you – “natalophobia” as some mental health professionals might call it – then allow us to explore some of them. the intricacies in this blog post and offer you solutions. From a psychological point of view, today we are going to try to find out once and for all what is behind this feeling of lack of joy at Christmas!
Natalphobia: what is it?
Natalophobia, also known as Christmas phobia, is a condition that affects many people around the holiday season. It is characterized by overwhelming feelings of anxiety and depression that greatly interfere with the fun and celebrations that usually accompany this time of year.
Although the exact cause is not known, it is thought to be linked to various underlying mental health issues, such as mood disorders or unresolved trauma, which cause a no one is overwhelmed by all the expectations and pressures surrounding the holidays. Natalophobia can manifest in a variety of ways, such as difficulty sleeping and negative thoughts about upcoming festivities.
If left untreated, these feelings can aggravate a person’s sense of unease and even lead to an increased feeling of loneliness or isolation for a period that should be synonymous with joy and togetherness. If you’re dealing with this problem, it’s important to seek help from mental health professionals in order to find relief and regain the happiness that comes with the holidays.
The media plays an important role in triggering natalophobia.
Dr. Fanny Jacq believes that the media has an important role to play in creating Christmas phobia. The media can be particularly influential when it comes to establishing and perpetuating cultural norms, and this is particularly important during the holiday season. For example, by showing images of cheerful family members celebrating together or happily spending large sums on gifts, the media can give the impression that these activities are essential components of Christmas.
Individuals may then feel anxious or inadequate if they do not adhere to these standards, leading them to suffer from “Christmas phobia”. However, each family is unique. Family tensions, financial difficulties, the unexpected, are there because this is real life and the holidays can be far from perfect like the image that the media makes us pass.
How could the mental health professional help you overcome your negative thoughts?
When it comes to treating a Christmas phobia (or any other type of mental health problem), a mental health professional can use various forms of therapy. It can be:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT):
A therapy that aims to help the patient identify and challenge negative thought patterns that may lead to irrational feelings about Christmas or other holidays.
Exposure therapy:
The one that consists of gradually exposing a person to dreaded stimuli – decorations, ringtones, etc. – in order to control one’s reactions and emotions, can also be beneficial.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT):
This is another option that focuses on changing unhealthy behaviors while building inner strength and resilience.
Other types of therapies:
Additionally, psychodynamic therapies such as psychoanalysis can be used to delve into the underlying psychological causes of fear.
For those who have difficulty attending traditional therapy sessions, there are also alternative treatments. Virtual reality (VR) tools are increasingly being used to provide exposure and cognitive restructuring for people with anxiety-related issues, including phobias.
As for artistic or musical therapies, they allow people to express their emotions in a creative way, for example by making Christmas decorations or expressing their feelings through songs or poems.
Finally, mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques can help people learn to focus on the present moment rather than worrying about the past or the future around the holidays.
