The Easter holidays is here – and what is a cause for celebration for some, is a time of angst for others. On one hand, many of us have a long weekend. Families spend quality time together and create memories, and we have a chance to relax. For those who are religious, this is an especially sacred time and may include attending services.
This is the Easter we are told to have – one filled with Easter eggs, children’s smiles, and family gathered around good food. But few of us rarely experience this perfect idea of the holidays.
Easter can be full of joy, but it can also be incredibly isolating. If you live alone, are estranged from family, or are grieving the loss of a relationship or a person you love, this week can be painful. And then there is the stress of the season – even if we want to avoid it, it’s nearly impossible with traffic, advertising and general busyness.
Over the years, we have given plenty of tips and conversation prompts to about how to survive the holidays. Things like pre-planning, having a safe person, and joining a community group for the day are all practical ways you can get through. And we would love you to read them here.
But sometimes, we just need a reminder that the holidays are complicated. And if you feel lonely, grieved, frustrated or anxious, you are not alone. You don’t have to be happy this time of year, and you don’t have to pretend you have it all together. So instead of numbing the pain with alcohol, drugs, sex or social media, give yourself space to feel the pain. Write it down in a journal, chat with a friend over the phone, make a voice note on your phone, or watch a sad movie and cry.
There is time for joy – and you will experience it again. In the future, your Easter celebrations may look different to this years. And that’s okay. But for this year, just being present is enough. As the non profit To Write Love On Her Arms often say, “you are here, now, in good company”.
If you feel lonely or are in crisis this Easter holidays, please ask for help. Visit LifeLine.org.au or call 13 11 14.
For international numbers, or to read blogs for likeminded people, visit To Write Love On Her Arms at TWLOHA.com.
Do you feel isolated? Are you grieving? Contact Colleen on 0434 337 245, Duncan on 0434 331 243 for a FREE 10-minute phone consultation on how we can best help you, or press book now and make an appointment after the Easter holidays. Please note, we are out of the office from Friday April 7- Wednesday April 12.
