The holiday season is a time of celebration and cheer, but for many, it can also bring increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. As many as 28% of Americans report heightened stress and poor mental health during the holidays, citing financial strain, grief and loss, and challenging family dynamics¹. If you’ve ever felt weighted down by the winter blues when you think you’re supposed to feel merry and bright, you’re not alone.

There are many reasons why mental health can suffer during this time of year. Shorter, darker, and colder days often impact our mood and energy levels, and the pressure of gift-giving can worsen money woes. Family gatherings may sometimes invite tension and conflict where there should be warmth and connection. For those estranged from family or social supports, loneliness can become even more pronounced, impacting other mental health conditions.

Managing mental health during the holidays means giving yourself permission to prioritize your well-being. Here are a few strategies that can help:

• Set Realistic Expectations and Boundaries: It’s okay if this season doesn’t feel magical! Accept that you don’t have to feel joyful just because “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Instead of packing your schedule, focus on a few activities that mean the most to you and your loved ones, and let go of the rest.
• Give Yourself the Gift of Self Care: Set aside time for rest, solitude, exercise, and hobbies that bring you comfort. Recognize that during the wintertime, you may need more sleep and nourishment to preserve your energy and mood. Simple acts like enjoying a warm meal, practicing meditation, or taking a brisk walk outdoors can help restore balance and reduce stress.
• Find Your Community: Despite what social media and holiday movies portray, loneliness this time of year is common. Chosen family matters just as much as biological family. If you’re feeling disconnected, seek out like-minded others through hobbies, faith communities, peer support groups, or online spaces filled with people who can meet you where you are at.
• Talk to Someone: Whether it’s talking to a friend or family member, or seeking professional help, connection is essential for managing stress and reducing isolation. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to face it alone.

Are you searching for mental health support this holiday season? Whittier’s Behavioral Health Department offers individual and group counseling, substance use services, medication management, and resources to help you manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress. Our compassionate team is ready to help you navigate the season with self-compassion and confidence. To connect with a provider today, please call (617)-858-2429.

References

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2024, November 25). One quarter of Americans say they are more stressed this holiday season than in 2023, citing financial concerns and missing loved ones. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/one-quarter-of-americans-say-they-are-more-stresse.