The holiday season is often associated with large family gatherings; but, for some, this is not an option. Perhaps the person has no living kin, is estranged from their relatives, or cannot afford the time or cost of travel. This can lead to the dreaded winter blues. Individuals with disabilities in these situations are especially at risk of feeling isolated as this community already faces such challenges in everyday life. Therefore, we’d like to provide suggestions to combat or hopefully prevent loneliness and preserve the joy this time of year offers.
Here are 5 ideas when you do not have a traditional family gathering to attend or cannot go:
- Join virtually.
Never underestimate the power of technology. If you cannot go to them, bring them virtually to you. Schedule a specific time (being mindful of time zones) to video/voice chat, have your family live stream while you comment, or participate in a Zoom or Microsoft Teams meeting. Even virtual gatherings can produce a sense of togetherness.
- Host your own gathering.
Whether they be distant cousins, friends, or close colleagues, loved ones are loved ones. Embrace the support system you have created. Plan a special dinner at your place or a local restaurant and invite your favorite people. If your group cannot get together in person, then set up a virtual Friendsmas, online gaming session, or other virtual party. You may be pleasantly surprised by how many others you know were concerned about having no one to celebrate with. Your invitation could be their holiday miracle.
- Try something new.
Be adventurous. Get out of your comfort zone and try something you have never done before. start a new hobby such as pottery-making, knitting, yoga, antiquing, and so forth. Hone in on your artistic interests by attending a play or concert, take self-guided or organized tours of local attractions and museums. For those with a wild streak, you could go horseback riding, sky diving, or wall climbing. There are adaptive sports and accessible activities for all body types and interests. Plus, you may make a new friend along the way.
- Volunteer.
Choose your passion. Serve at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. Sit down and socialize with the guests to warm their bellies and their souls. If you prefer the company of furry friends, then spend some time helping at a no-kill shelter, pet sit for a neighbor who is out of town, or adopt a sweet critter and give them a forever home. If you have a musical, artistic, or other talent then you could share your gift with seniors in assisted living, patients in a hospital, or children in a group home. We all have something we can give and there are always needs in our communities.
- Travel.
Maybe you have been saving up PTO, have no significant others, and have savings in your bank account. Then this would be the perfect time to treat yourself to a dream vacation. You could venture to an exotic destination, finally take a trip to the foreign country that has been on your bucket list or explore the sights and sounds as a local tourist where you currently live. Remember, an investment in an experience is never a waste of time or money.
For more disability-specific activities, please visit our Events page on the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder website. Be sure to check back often as it is regularly updated. With all the fun and exciting events listed on the calendar, there is bound to be something for everyone.
No matter what you decide to do over the next few months, please know you are not alone. We all require human interaction and a sense of belonging; but we understand that is not always easy to find. We encourage you not to hesitate to reach out to us at Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, (800) 640-4636, for help connecting with appropriate supports. Below are 5 national or state-wide mental health resources you or someone you know may find beneficial to get through these cold months.
Provider Website: 988lifeline.org
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) young people.
Call Provider: (212) 695-8650
Email Provider: info@thetrevorproject.org
Provider Website: www.thetrevorproject.org
The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Call Provider: (800) 985-5990
Provider Website: www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
TN Voices has taken the lead in promoting the use of a coordinated system of care in Tennessee that includes family support and community engagement as key components. It serves as an advocacy agency for families whose children have emotional, behavioral, and/or mental health issues.
Call Provider: (800) 670-9882
Provider Website: www.tnvoices.org
NAMI Tennessee is a grassroots, non-profit, self-help organization made up of people with mental illness, their families and community members. We are dedicated to improving quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education and advocacy.
Call Provider: (615) 361-6608
Email Provider: info@namitn.org
Provider Website: www.namitn.org
From our hearts to yours, we sincerely hope you stay warm, feel loved, think positively, be creative, and make the most of this holiday season!