That “Finished” Feeling in December

It’s the month where the year finally catches up with you. All the stress you pushed through. All the losses you didn’t have time to grieve. All the pressure you carried quietly while telling yourself, “Just get through this week.” December removes structure. Routines fall away. Work slows or stops. And suddenly there’s space — space where emotions you’ve been suppressing all year rush in. For many people, that crash feels like exhaustion, numbness, irritability, sadness, or a deep sense of “I have nothing left to give.” In South Africa, this often happens in summer. Long days, intense heat, financial pressure, family expectations, social obligations, and the unspoken demand to be cheerful can be overwhelming. When you’re already burnt out, December doesn’t feel like rest — it feels like exposure. This “finished” feeling is often linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder in summer, emotional burnout, or unresolved trauma. Your nervous system has been running on survival mode for months, and now it’s signalling that it needs care. That’s not weakness. That’s biology and emotional reality. You might notice: • extreme fatigue • lack of motivation • emotional numbness or sudden tears • irritability or withdrawal • feeling disconnected from people • guilt for not enjoying the festive season None of this means you’re broken. It means your system is tired. You don’t need to push yourself to be festive. You don’t owe anyone energy you don’t have. And you don’t need to minimise how hard the year has been just because others are celebrating. At Mustard Seed Tree, we see this every December — people who look “fine” on the outside but are quietly empty inside. Counselling offers a space to slow down, unpack the weight of the year, and begin restoring emotional strength without pressure or judgement. If December feels heavy, flat, or overwhelming, you’re not alone. Feeling finished is often a sign that it’s time to be supported — not to push harder. Rest is not quitting. Asking for help is not failure. And healing doesn’t need to wait for January. Mustard Seed Tree is here for you — especially when you feel like you’ve got nothing left.