A short piece discussing feeling low during the New Year, and why it’s okay.
Image Source: Rebloggy
It’s New Years Eve, and almost everyone you know is ecstatic for the new year to arrive. Dressing up in flashing dresses/suites, buying champagne, going to party at clubs (hopefully not in 2020), listing their new years resolutions, etc, it seems people are optimistic regarding what the next year has to bring.
However, you’re noticing you don’t share that same excitement and joy. Rather, you feel yourself feeling more down, depressed, anxious, exhausted, etc, than usual. The thought of a new year arriving doesn’t make you hopeful, and seeing everyone around you be so happy may even slightly irritate you. There may even be a slight pressure from others, or from your own conscious, to force yourself to “be happy,” '“celebrate,” “be grateful,” and to “not be so negative,'“ despite how underwhelmed you feel.
I just want for you to know, that you are not alone.
This phenomenon, coined as the New Years Blues, is a common occurrence for people when the new year is approaching. While society depicts for this transition to be smooth and joyous, the reality is that it’s actually draining and painful for others.
“What’s Wrong With Me?”
Despite the celebrations going on, the end of the year can be an extremely tough and exhausting time for many people for various of reasons, from tragedy to failed goals. Typically, the end of the year symbolizes a call for reflection regarding what transpired throughout the year, both the negative and positive. This unfortunately can create an opportunity to ruminate on the goals you were unable to accomplish, the events you missed out on potentially due to a physical or mental illness, the loved ones lost, and overall comparing yourself to others who appeared to have an easier year than you did. Not to mention, in 2020 specifically, the entire world underwent collective trauma due to the causes and effects of the COVID-19 virus, which is sadly still impacting many families everywhere.
So no, in my eyes, there is nothing wrong with you. What you’re currently feeling is normal and just as valid as being excited for the new year.
“When Will This Feeling Go Away?”
Honestly, it all depends. For some people, their low mood may only last for the first day of the new year. However, for others, the feeling may persistent until the very beginning of February.
However, I would suggest placing more importance not on how quickly you can rid of these feelings, but taking time to evaluate where your emotions are coming from. Your emotions are bubbling underneath the surface, and deserve the appropriate amount of time and support to carefully analyze and understand what and where in your life you’d wish for things to be different. This would the perfect opportunity to reflect on what is triggering your emotions, so you may be able to begin the process of healing from the previous year when you’re ready.
You shouldn’t feel rushed to “get over” or “fake” your emotions regarding the new year, and you are entitled to spend as much as time as possible to process this transition.
Happy New Year to you, and if no one has told you this yet, I’m happy you’re still here with us. Take as much time as you need to emotionally rest and prepare to step fully into 2021 with as much grace as you can fester.
