How to Cope with Christmas Stress and Loneliness

Christmas is well and truly here—and for many, it feels impossible to ignore. Even those we might consider to have “good mental health” can find the festive season stressful, overwhelming, or deeply disappointing.

As a Cardiff therapist, I see how Christmas can stir up difficult emotions—especially for those navigating grief, anxiety, financial stress, or strained relationships. If you're feeling low or struggling this season, you are not alone—and you are not doing Christmas “wrong.”

Why Christmas Can Feel So Hard

From the outside, it may seem like everyone else is having a perfect time. But the pressure to be joyful, the forced cheer, and the cultural expectations around food, gifts, family and fun can be deeply alienating—especially if you’re:

• Grieving a loved one

• Experiencing loneliness or disconnection

• Managing anxiety around social events

• Coping with financial hardship

• Navigating recovery from eating disorders or addiction

  
  

Through my work in counselling in Cardiff, I’ve helped many clients name and work through these feelings—not just during the holidays, but all year round.

Signs You’re Not Alone (and That It’s Okay)

• You’re dreading social events

• You feel emotionally “numb” or disconnected

• You feel pressure to spend money you don’t have

• You’re missing someone who isn’t here

• You want to skip it altogether

  
  

These feelings are more common than most people realise—and they don’t make you a bad person or broken. They make you human.

Tips to Get Through a Difficult Christmas

If you're struggling this season, here are some gentle suggestions I share with clients in therapy in Cardiff:

🎄 Make Space for All Feelings

You don’t have to feel happy. Give yourself permission to feel how you actually feel. Sadness, grief, emptiness, or frustration are valid.

🎄 Say No Without Guilt

If socialising or travelling feels too much, it's okay to say no. You don’t have to justify your boundaries.

🎄 Avoid Comparisons

Adverts and social media portray “perfect” holidays. Try not to compare your reality to curated images. There is no “right” way to do Christmas.

🎄 Remember Your Losses, Gently

If you’re missing someone, find small ways to honour their memory—light a candle, visit a place you shared, or keep a tradition alive.

🎄 Talk to Someone

Whether it’s a friend, relative, support group, or professional Cardiff counsellor, talking can ease the sense of isolation.

🎄 Express Yourself

Write, draw, sing, move—find an outlet that feels good for you. Not everyone finds talking easy, and that’s okay.

🎄 Create Your Own Version of the Holidays

You can opt out of what doesn’t serve you. Watch films you like, eat what feels right, go for a walk, volunteer, or spend the day with your favourite person—even if that person is you.

A Note on Financial Pressure & Expectations

Christmas can be expensive. As a counsellor in Cardiff, I often speak with clients who feel guilt, shame, or sadness because they can’t meet cultural or family expectations around giving. Please remember:

🎁 Your worth is not measured in presents, decorations, or festive food.🎁 A modest, quiet Christmas is just as valid and meaningful.

If finances are impacting your mental health, support is available (see helplines below).

Acknowledging Those in Recovery

To those managing eating disorders, alcohol use, or other mental health conditions—this season can be tough. With so much focus on food, indulgence, and social drinking, it’s okay to set boundaries, skip events, or ask for support.

You don’t need permission to prioritise your wellbeing.

If You Need to Talk

At MF Counselling, I offer compassionate, confidential therapy in Cardiff for those struggling with anxiety, grief, low mood, loneliness, or stress—at Christmas and beyond.

Please know you’re not alone. If you’d like to talk, I offer a free consultation to explore whether counselling might be helpful for you.

📞 Support & Helplines

• Samaritans – 116 123 | samaritans.org

• CALL Helpline Wales – 0800 132 737 | callhelpline.org.uk

• Mind – 0300 123 3393 | mind.org.uk

• Cruse Bereavement Care – 0808 808 1677 | cruse.org.uk

• Beat Eating Disorders – 0300 123 3355 | b-eat.co.uk

• Alcoholics Anonymous – 0800 9177 650 | alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

• National Debtline – 0808 808 4000 | nationaldebtline.org

Whatever this season brings for you—please make it your own. There is no one “right” way to do Christmas. If you're struggling, reach out. As a Cardiff counsellor, I’m here to listen.