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While many people enjoy the holiday season, this time of year can be stressful for others, for a number of reasons: relational, financial, spiritual, or a combination of factors. Plenty of folks find that the holidays feel both joyous and taxing, depending on the moment. Whatever your personal relationship with the season, your feelings are valid and there are strategies that can help you better manage the season!
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, over half (52%) of Canadians report feelings of anxiety, depression and isolation during the holidays. This time of year can be hard on our mental wellness and, on top of the regular day-to-day worries we manage the rest of the year, the holiday season can lead to feelings of overwhelm, exhaustion and sadness. These feelings may exacerbate existing mental health symptoms, but even those without mental health difficulties can be affected by the “holiday blues.”
A number of factors can contribute to these negative emotions. For example, there can be immense pressure at this time of year to host a “picture-perfect” celebration. If our reality doesn’t match up to these expectations, we can be left feeling disappointed - even if nothing has gone terribly wrong. Second, the holiday season tends to be a time of excess, whether it’s spending, indulging in tasty food, and/or drinking more than we typically do. These indulgences often feel good and are, to some extent, normalized in festive moments and gatherings, but some people struggle with feelings of guilt or regret when moderation falls by the wayside. Moreover, research supports the idea that consumption of excessive sugar can contribute to negative mental health outcomes.
Every family or friend group has their own traditions during the holidays, but often these traditions involve spending time together. Even for people who have close relationships with loved ones, the intensity and duration of time spent together during this season can feel overwhelming and draining. This can feel even more poignant for families characterized by tense or challenging relationships. Further, responsibilities like hosting, cooking, and/or planning group activities can add to stress and take away from holiday cheer.
On the flip side, this time of year can also feel alienating. For folks without close ties to family or peers, for those who live far away from their loved ones, or for people who have lost loved ones, the focus on spending time together during the holiday season can feel particularly lonely.
Sometimes, the glittery lights and fun festivities that are associated with warmth and celebration can mask a layered and emotionally complex time of the year for some folks. The good news, however, is that there are a number of strategies we can use to be proactive about protecting our mental well-being during the holidays.
Consider these strategies to care for yourself and make the holiday season as joyful as possible:
