The holidays can bring out the best and the worst in people and situations. The holiday season can magnify feelings of happiness, joy, and hope — the distractions of the season may make it easier to ignore your pain. Visiting loved ones can increase your feelings of being supported and loved. Unfortunately, the converse is often true as well. Sadness, loneliness, guilt, frustration, and pain may seem more intense during a time when it seems like everyone else is celebrating.

This time of year may heighten your sense of isolation, especially if you're unable to get out of the house and socialize, engage with your family, or are no longer able to work. It can be difficult to remember that people care about you and even more difficult to connect with others. During these moments, it's important to keep in mind that you are not alone — there are millions of people who understand what you're feeling.

While it's important to acknowledge that such feelings are normal, there are ways to lessen some of the more negative feelings you may have and help you enjoy the season. You've probably heard it all before, but now may be a good time to revisit ways of relieving stress and decreasing isolation and loneliness, especially during the holidays.

• Simplify and prioritize — Choose activities that are meaningful to you and let go of those that you do only because you feel obligated.
   
• Create reasonable expectations — Pace yourself. Doing too much often causes setbacks, which can lead to greater pain and depression.
   
• Take time to care for yourself — Getting the right amount of sleep, eating healthy meals, doing your physical therapy exercises or gentle physical activity, practicing relaxation techniques (eg, guided imagery and deep breathing) and avoiding too much alcohol can help you feel better and consequently help you enjoy those activities you choose to engage in.
   
• Accept what you are unable to change — acceptance may allow you to take better care of yourself in that you're more aware of your limitations and are less likely to exceed them. Acceptance also means you're looking forward to what you can do versus looking back at what you've lost.
   
• Give yourself credit — Others often don't realize what an effort you've made to participate in a family event, so give yourself credit for doing the best you can with the body you have.
   
• Reach out to others — Take the first step in initiating a conversation with a neighbor or posting or replying to a message in My Community. Join a support group. Reaching out can open new doors and create new support systems.
   
• Do something for others — You have a lot to give. Volunteering to help others and giving of yourself will remind you of the gifts you have to share. You can make a difference in the lives of others.
   
• Remember those loved ones who have helped you along your journey — the holidays are stressful for caregivers and family members too. Take a moment to thank them for all of their efforts on your behalf or even for simply caring.

If none of these things helps decrease your stress level or if you are feeling especially anxious or sad, contact your doctor about ways you can alleviate feelings of loneliness, sadness and depression. If you are thinking about harming yourself in any way, please do one of the following things immediately and ask for help:

• Go to or call a local mental health center
• Call your counselor
• Call 911
• Call a suicide prevention/crisis hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433)
• Call your doctor
• Go to a hospital emergency room