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Navigating Holiday Stress: Protecting Your Mental Health During the Festive Season

Tips for Staying Positive Through Holiday Ups and Downs

Holidays are not happy occasions for everyone. They can be reminders of how lonely and isolating mental illness can be. It is possible to cope and make it through the holiday season with success and hopefully some joy
Silhouetted person sitting on a chair, head in hands, in a dimly lit room with candles and framed photos. Sad during the holiday season


Why Holiday Cheer Can Be Overwhelming
Not Everyone Experiences Holiday Cheer...and That's Okay!

Let's be honest—everyone doesn't feel the warmth, festivities, and holiday cheer. For some, the season can be:

  • A painful reminder of separation from friends and loved ones due to isolation
  • A harsh reminder of the loss of loved ones
  • A time that amplifies feelings of loneliness and hopelessness
You Are Not Alone in Your Experiences: Why It's Okay to Feel Overwhelmed During the Holidays

I've had my share of both good and tough holidays. There have been times when I've avoided holiday gatherings because:
  • Socializing can feel overwhelming and draining. 
  • I know I struggle to hide things like anxiety, so sometimes it's just easier for me to take a step back from friends and family. 
  • I have been so depressed that I have no energy to socialize let alone leave my house.

If you relate to or know someone who experiences mental health concerns during the holidays, you are not alone. NAMI or the National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 64% of people say that the holidays make the conditions of their mental health worse. But why do people experience emotional pressure or are affected by holiday stress? Here are some common reasons:
  • Challenging family interactions
  • Grief
  • Financial pressure
What Can You Do to Cope?

According to Dr. Elsa Ronningstam PhD, identifying the things that trigger holiday stress and how they make us feel is important in coping. For instance, uncovering why the holidays make you feel sad or anxious. Then, you can start determining the coping methods that work best for you.

Here is what works for me in coping with holiday stress:
  • Take breaks. Consider getting some fresh air since I can get overwhelmed with loud noises and excitement. 
  • Reframe the situation. If I look at family gatherings with dread I am setting myself up for a miserable time. 
  • Remembering that I can say no or set other boundaries 
Reach out for support and if possible try not to isolate. Spending at least an hour outside can help shift your focus and mindset. Ultimately, you get to choose how you feel this holiday season, but remember to take care of your mental health!


Thank you for stopping by! Until next time remember that you are not alone in your feelings or experiences, I've got your back!

For more information about coping with holiday stress visit the following links:
  1. Guide to Managing Mental Health Around the Holidays
  2. Supporting Your Mental Health During the Holiday Season

The information in the blog is for educational purposes only. This is not a substitute for professional help. If you are concerned about your mental health, consider seeking support from a licensed mental health professional.

For more content and updates about my other blog on Medium click here

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