It's the winter holiday season. And our cultural messages are unrelenting: Commercials show happy families gathered around dinner tables, carols fill the air with cheer and social media overflows with perfect snapshots of celebrations and togetherness. Despite all the joy, laughter and togetherness, for many people this season tells a very different story.

Behind the glow of twinkling lights and festive music, countless individuals quietly struggle with feelings of loneliness, sadness and emotional exhaustion. As a psychiatrist, I see this contrast every year, the pressure to feel merry often magnifies the very emotions people wish they could escape.

Ironically, loneliness can feel sharpest when we’re surrounded by people. The holidays tend to emphasize connection, family and belonging, so if someone feels disconnected or left out, that absence becomes painfully pronounced. For people who have lost loved ones, who are estranged from family or who simply don’t have a strong social network, the holidays can serve as an emotional mirror reflecting what’s missing.

Even those who do spend time with friends and family can still feel alone. Many describe feeling “out of sync” with the spirit of the season, going through the........

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