2023-12-24 13:39:54
Natatophobes suffer from an “irrational, uncontrollable fear,” which may be caused by some form of social pressure or the resurgence of a traumatic event.
For many, Christmas is synonymous with smiles, reunions and sharing, with its colorful world and its procession of decorations, films and songs. For others, it’s quite the opposite: the end-of-year holidays are a delicate period to get through.
Natalophobics, as they are called, suffer from an “irrational and uncontrollable fear of the end-of-year holidays and their symbols”, relates Zoé Hérard, psychologist, on her website.
In 2022, according to an Ipsos survey relayed by Nice-Matin, 44% of parents of young children and 39% of women said they were anxious regarding the end-of-year holidays.
“I hate parties”
On social networks, testimonies of discomfort are not rare this year either. “The good anxiety attack before Christmas”, writes an Internet user. “Christmas is a time that I love, but which worries me so much and I don’t understand why,” says another.
This is not, however, a new phenomenon. And it doesn’t just affect the youngest. The National Audiovisual Institute (Ina) reminds us that Alain Delon was not particularly fond of Christmas.
“I don’t really like parties. As Édith Piaf said, I hate Sundays. Me, I hate parties,” the actor admitted in 1989.
Race for gifts, heated family debates…
The causes of stress can be multiple. They often result from the social pressure felt before the big day. Thus, some people find it difficult to cope with the race for Christmas presents and the injunction to please the person who receives them. Others are faced with the menu puzzle, with a dish that must suit everyone. Especially since this year, inflation has greatly strained wallets.
Christmas Day is followed by family gatherings and, sometimes, angry topics. Whether personal (professional situation, singleness, children, etc.) or related to current events.
But natalophobia can just as easily arise from an opposite situation, with an absence of family and a fear of loneliness on New Year’s Eve, which can overlap with seasonal depression.
“Social networks have nothing to do with it. Photos of idyllic family moments, gifts, publications of excessive conviviality, have an impact on everyone’s feelings,” insists psychologist Zoé Hérard. “Happiness, in too much of it around you, when you don’t always feel good, can generate an even greater gap between expectations and reality.”
The end of year celebrations, adds Santé Magazine, can revive “the memory of bereavement, or any other traumatic event associated with this period”. The simple sight of a tree or Santa Claus can act as a trigger
Consequences on the body
And natalophobia is not without health consequences. Roger Fiammetti, osteopath cited by Ina, assures that “the body expresses through psychosomatic disorders, such as tonsillitis, anxieties that come to the surface, stiff necks, sciatica. The body suffers and expresses in a very physical way the discomfort felt. Digestive problems may also appear.
To protect yourself, Passeport Santé advises you to “avoid negative feelings linked to the end-of-year holidays” and “not to expect too much”: “We must ‘desacralize’ and ‘de-idealize’ Christmas.”
Positive thinking and meditation can also be helpful, unlike isolation and excessive alcohol consumption. If anxiety persists, it is advisable to consult a general practitioner or specialist.
Florian Bouhot Journalist BFM Régions
1703435151
#natalophobes #holidays #source #stress
