How the Holidays Effect Mental Health

The holidays can be one of the most stressful times of the year. High expectations, financial strain, and family drama are just a few factors contributing to anxiety and depression. Personally, I’ve experienced wonderful holiday celebrations, but I’ve also spent the holidays alone, working, or fighting with family. Whichever holiday experience you can relate to, it’s important to take care of your mental health and prioritize moments of peace.

There are a variety of factors that contribute to the high stress of the holidays. These include but are not limited to:

Pressure to feel happy or make others happy – Financial burden – Pressure to make time for holiday activities –  Anxiety about visiting with family – Inability to celebrate with family or friends – Feeling alone – Reminder that time is passing – Reminder of lost loved ones – Disappointment when expectations are not met – )ver commercialization

Tips for Taking Care of Your Mental Health During the Holidays

Many people report an increase in symptoms of depression and anxiety during the holiday season. Symptoms can include worry, fear, sadness, tearful spells, low motivation, isolation, loss of interest, emotional outbursts, and suicidal thoughts. Below are some tips to help you take care of your mental health during this holiday season.

1. Manage expectations: Set realistic goals for the holidays. Ahem… Clark Griswold in the movie Christmas Vacation. Don’t overcommit your time, resources, or energy and accept that the holidays have ups and downs.

2. Volunteer: Giving back to others is a great way to cope with depression. If you’re feeling lonely or jaded, volunteering can help you find new meaning and value for the holiday season.

3. Enjoy small moments: Be mindful of small and enjoyable moments in the present. Notice the smell of cookies baking, the melody of a holiday song, or the cozy feeling of sitting by a fireplace.

4. Seek support through therapy: It’s ok to seek extra support during the holidays. Therapy can help you feel less alone and learn effective ways to cope with depression and anxiety.

5. Normalize it: Validate and normalize that the holidays can be tough and not always joyful. Remind yourself that you’ll get through it and circumstances can always change in the future.

Get Started With Psychotherapy

I offer therapy for individuals struggling with depression and anxiety. Contact me today to get started.

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