Many celebrate the holiday season as the most wonderful time of the year, but for others who lack close family or friends, it can feel lonely.
Loneliness expert Dr. Jeremy Nobel describes the phenomenon as a gap between the connections people need and those they have, which can harm mental and physical health, reported USA Today.
“People are barraged by media images of everybody having a good time. When you don’t have access to those experiences, it makes you feel bad,” said Nobel, per USA Today. “It’s one of the reasons why the holidays are viewed by many as the loneliest time of the year.”
Loneliness manifests in varied ways, from psychological disconnection to societal exclusion based on identity or existential detachment from oneself.
According to Nobel’s book, “Project Unlonely: Healing out Crisis of Disconnection,” loneliness exists on a spectrum. Many experience fleeting moments of loneliness that can be resolved by seeking social interactions. However, unaddressed loneliness can deepen, causing individuals to question their self-worth and fostering harmful isolation. At its most severe, loneliness correlates with brain changes affecting emotional resilience and is considered as detrimental to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
“The increased risk for depression, suicidality, self-harm: That all happens at the top tier,” said Noble.
The path to mitigating loneliness starts with self-discovery.
Once a person feels grounded in their identity, sharing that authenticity with others becomes the next crucial step. Nobel encourages finding communities centered around shared interests, such as group events or social activities.
Rejection remains a common fear when expressing one’s authentic self, yet it is essential for building genuine relationships.
Nobel notes that rejection often feels amplified when it involves personal vulnerabilities, per USA Today. Small acts of connection, whether through creative expression, community gatherings, or acts of service, can help bridge the gap between loneliness and belonging. Even introverts can find joy in authentic connections when they feel seen and supported.
The journey may begin with individual effort but often culminates in relationships that celebrate and reflect the true self.
Though challenging for some, the holiday season holds the potential to nurture these connections. By prioritizing authenticity and seeking shared experiences, individuals can transform feelings of loneliness into moments of meaningful companionship.