If the holidays have you feeling stressed, anxious, or lonely instead of cheery, Kesha has some tips to try.
The holidays are supposed to be the most magical season of the year, hands-down. With all of the bright lights, family parties, gift exchanges, and more, it seems like everyone is extra festive and cheery, regardless of what holiday they celebrate. But sometimes, for any variety of personal reasons, it can be extremely difficult just to get yourself through the season.
Kesha is here to remind you that it’s totally okay to feel lost, sad, or lonely during the holidays. What’s important is how you get yourself back. The pop star shared her own story and some helpful advice in a series of poignant tweets.
“The holiday season is supposed to be the most festive and fun time of the year but sometimes it can quickly become a stressful and emotional time. All those plans and expectations of joy can turn tougher than they sound,” the “Praying” singer tweeted. “This is especially true for those of us who struggle with mental illness — be it depression, anxiety, addiction or any other challenges. The holidays break your routine. Sometimes, you’re forced to spend time with family you rarely see and don’t always get along with.”
“Or maybe you’re alone when everyone else is with family. Or you are off from work, with more time to think troubling thoughts. Or you are at work and can’t be with those you love. Or you are thrust into party situations that tempt your demons,” she continued. “Or you aren’t invited to those tempting parties. In so many ways, the holidays can throw you off your game — and that can shake you. When you have a routine, it’s easier to manage whatever mental struggles you may be faced with, and when that routine is broken, it can trigger things you may not be ready to face. I know it has for me.”
Kesha then bravely opened up about why the Christmas season is a particularly challenging time for her personally.
“It was during the holidays when I hit a low moment and with the help of my mother decided to seek help for my eating disorder,” she shared. “Around the holidays, I often feel like I’m supposed to be everywhere, with everyone — all with the added guilt that it’s the season of giving.”
So what can you do when everything feels crazy and off-kilter? Kesha has a wonderful suggestion.
“To fight this, I’ve developed a mantra: It’s not selfish to take time for yourself. Take a walk in nature. Talk to a friend you trust or a therapist. Sit out one of the holiday gatherings in favor of some personal time,” she wrote. “Just do whatever helps you calm down and gives you a break from the stress. Download one of the many meditation apps for your phone. I particularly like ‘Calm’ and ‘End Anxiety.'”
The singer also shared a wise thought that will help you put things into perspective.
“It’s not your responsibility to try to make the whole world happy,” Kesha shared. “Especially since sometimes it’s not that easy to make yourself happy, either — even with all the celebrations and gifts and seasonal decorations, foods and drinks, which can only do so much. So don’t ask yourself things like ‘It’s almost Christmas, why am I not happy?’ That can turn into a shame cycle. It’s just another day — don’t put unrealistic expectations on it, and don’t beat yourself up.
Trying to spend all of your time pleasing everyone else is not only exhausting — it’s impossible. And you know what? If you take a little time for yourself, you will actually be much better company for those around you.”
This year’s festivities are going to be particularly hard for Kesha to get through, but she has a plan in place ahead of time.
“This holiday season, I will be missing a beloved member of my family who passed away recently, but I have to remember to be thankful for the family that I do have and careful not to fall into an existential crisis downward spiral,” she shared. “And most importantly just remember to give yourself a break!”
We’re so proud of Kesha for opening up about such a personal topic, and we’re sure she is going to help so many people by sharing this message.
