what is this pathology that occurs at the end of the year?

Among the concepts a priori festive, but which give goosebumps to some, we knew coulrophobia (the terror of clowns). But have you ever heard of natalophobia, that of the holiday season? “Just like the phobia of spiders or snakes, it generates irrational fear in the person who suffers from it, defines Dr Fanny Jacq, psychiatrist and mental health director at Qare. This one may even have anxiety attacks as soon as she sees an advertisement for Christmas, decoration or a Christmas tree “.

Do you hate cinnamon cookies? Do you wince as soon as you hear the Christmas hit Mariah Carey? You may be natalophobic, because “natalophobia can also be interpreted as a concept broader than its definition pure and hard, specifies the doctor. We will then include all the people who do not like Christmas or who are depressed by the end of the year celebrations “. If, in France, there are no figures to assess the prevalence of this phobia, only “a tiny percentage of the population” is concerned by natalaphobia in the restricted sense, indicates Fanny Jacq. But in the broader sense, natalophobia affects more people. “Between 5 and 8% of my consultations and teleconsultations concern Christmas at the arrival of the holidays”, thus considers the psychiatrist.

Who can be affected by natalophobia?

Phobias are often inexplicable. But in general, people often have very specific reasons for suffering from this phobia or depression around Christmas. May be affected ..

• The people complicated family situations : “Often when we dig with the patient, we realize that he / she has family problems”, explains Dr Jacq. Christmas is a time when we get together with family or friends and it is not always pleasant if there are family secrets, when the family situation is complicated …
• The isolated people : “Isolated people develop this disorder because it is a period that highlights their isolation, details the psychiatrist, and which reminds them of their loneliness. In addition, he remains frowned upon being alone during the holidays. “
• The people with a life different from what their entourage expects, “Like the fact of not having children or being single, live a complicated period at Christmas. Holidays with your family are often synonymous with assessment and questioning during which you have to justify yourself all the time.”
• The people with financial worries : “People who can’t spend money and keep up with this Christmas over-consumption don’t feel up to it and it’s going to stress them out”, explains the doctor.
• The people who have experienced a traumatic event at Christmas, like the loss of a loved one.
• People who are deeply anti-Christmas : “They only see it as a commercial celebration, and all this craze is stressing them out.”

What are the treatments for natalophobia?

“It is important to remember that natalophobia can be treated and that if the person suffers from it, it must be taken care of”, specifies Dr Jacq. Christmas exerts social pressure: you have to look happy, playful, give nice gifts … It is very complicated for people who do not like this time of year to assume it. “Two or three consultations with a psychologist can already help people who need it, advises the doctor. I have patients who only come at this time of year “.

For her, it’s all about self-confidence. “During the session, we will teach the person to take responsibility for their choices or their condition. There is no shame in being alone, not having money at Christmas, not having children … We will teach them that we can say no to our family and decide to spend the holidays elsewhere. “ In addition to trying to restore self-confidence to patients, the psychologist will help them manage their anxiety attacks. So before the holidays, do not hesitate to find support. Taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give yourself …