Avoid Ebenezer Scrooge syndrome this holiday season

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Russell
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
"Well, then, I'll just swallow this and be tortured by a legion of hobgoblins, all of my own creation! It's all HUMBUG, I tell you, HUMBUG!" - Infamously said Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens' 1843 classic, "A Christmas Carol."

Once again, the holiday season has arrived and while many people will be filled with holiday cheer, others will deal with feelings of sadness and anxiety they may find hard to shake.

"Part of the challenge for holiday stress is the feeling of isolation," said Chaplain (Capt.) Gerald Harvey, 39th Air Base Wing chapel. "This is a mistake; no one should feel alone. Oftentimes we are surprised to find how similar our situations are to others in the community."

According to the National Mental Health Association Web site, there are numerous reasons for feeling blue around the holidays but, while it may be tempting to act like Mr. Scrooge, boycotting the holidays is not the answer.

Susan Milici, Military Family Life Center staff member, has ideas to help Airmen and their families stay in the mood during the holiday season:

- Reach out: Call friends and family before beginning to feel lonely. If there has been some strain in the family relationship, take the first step and call. Make light conversation and don't dwell in the past.

- Be proactive: Call people who might be on their own, arrange a holiday dinner, and split meal preparation duties.

- Be thankful: Avoid focusing on what you don't have, count your blessings and make a list! Find positive things to focus on and accept that your holiday season may be different.

- Exercise. Keep the endorphins pumping. Exercise can help you sleep better, and keeps you more alert and efficient during the day.

"Be a good wingman and stay connected with other military families. Celebrating with old and new friends can lessen the loneliness," said Ms. Milici.

The chapel will hold a Christmas candlelight service for the Incirlik community members. Also, there are various men and women's groups on base for permanent party and individuals deployed and on temporary duty.

"There is plenty of support and events to prevent feelings of isolation," said Chaplain Harvey.