Classic songs proclaim it’s the most wonderful time of the year, but for many people, the holiday season is anything but a wonderful season—especially for their mental health. Beginning with the mental health stresses during Thanksgiving and continuing into the New Year, it’s a busy time when we’re told we should be having joyous gatherings with friends and loved ones. We’re supposed to be full of gratitude and excitement for the holidays, but what about those of us who struggle with mental health during the holidays?
Study after study has found that many of us have a profoundly challenging time during the holiday season as we mourn our loved ones who are no longer here, struggle with loneliness or isolation, and deal with the additional financial burden of traveling and purchasing gifts. There are many reasons why this can be a difficult time of year, and that’s why it’s so important to learn to spot the signs of struggling during the holidays and how to get help. In California, Moment of Clarity is a recognized leader in providing effective and compassionate outpatient treatment for various mental health conditions. Let’s explore why this season can be challenging and how you or a loved one can get help through this time of year.
Why Does Mental Health Suffer Around the Holidays?
It’s no secret anymore that mental health during the holidays can be a struggle for many people. The National Alliance on Mental Illness conducted a survey in 2014 that found a shocking 64% of people with a mental illness reported that the holidays worsened their conditions. A 2021 survey found three in five Americans believe their mental health is affected by the holidays.
So, why is this a difficult time of year for mental health? There are many reasons. Consider, for example, that this time of year is profoundly dark and cold in much of the country. There aren’t many chances to get outside or enjoy time in the sun, leading to seasonal affective disorder and other problems. Financial stress is also common right now, with many people struggling to afford traveling, get-togethers with friends and family members, and purchasing gifts for others. On top of that, the constant barrage of advertising and pop culture telling us how this is a time to be together with dear loved ones can be a hard pill to swallow for people who have lost friends and family members to death or a significant change in a relationship. It can all add to a stressful, particularly lonely time of year for many people.
Mental Health Treatment That Works
Signs You May Be Struggling Around the Holidays
The warning signs of struggling with mental health around the holidays will often look similar to mental health challenges throughout the rest of the year. According to NAMI, warning signs and symptoms can include:
- Excessively feeling sad, worried, or afraid.
- Mood swings or strong feelings of being irritated or angry.
- Significant changes to sleeping and eating habits.
- Isolating from friends and family members or avoiding social activities.
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
- Suffering from delusions or hallucinations.
- Abusing drugs or alcohol.
- Suffering physical problems with no obvious cause, including headaches, stomach aches, or vague pains.
- Having suicidal thoughts.
If you or a loved one is showing the signs of a mental health problem, it’s important to do something about it, and it won’t get better on its own. Seeking professional treatment can help you feel better and avoid the dangers of unchecked mental illness.
Tips for Managing Your Mental Health During the Holidays
There’s a reason why there are so many mental health holidays in November: It’s a chance to remind people of the importance of taking care of themselves as we get into the holiday season. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration suggests several tips to do this, starting with paying attention to how you are feeling and remembering that it’s OK not to be happy during the holidays. Planning ahead can also help by having a friend or family member in mind to call or visit with if we get stressed or sad. Self-care is another crucial aspect of this, so take time out of each day to take care of yourself by relaxing, doing activities you enjoy, and trying to eat well and get enough sleep.
While many people will be tempted to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, these substances won’t help address the underlying causes of how we’re feeling and will instead just make things worse. Avoid self-medicating and try to take care of yourself in healthier ways instead.
How to Maintain Good Mental Health During the Holidays?
Maintaining good mental health around the holiday season comes down to self-care, and we can’t be happy and healthy without caring for ourselves. The National Alliance on Mental Illness suggests accepting your feelings and setting boundaries as a healthy way of reframing how we think about the holiday season. Respecting your limits isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Because this time of year can be lonely for many people, it’s also a good idea to try to find ways to connect with others whenever possible. This could involve getting together with a close friend or loved one, even if it won’t be the same as a past holiday tradition that is no longer possible. Many social groups and organizations have events and gatherings this time of year that can provide an easy way to be around others and escape our isolation. Another essential thing to remember is how critical it is to enjoy the holiday season but try to stay on track with healthy habits, such as going to therapy, getting the right amount of sleep each night, and exercising regularly.
Moment of Clarity Can Help With Mental Health During the Holidays
While May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, taking care of our mental health needs to be a year-round practice, and that can be especially true during a stressful holiday season. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health during the holidays, remember that this is common, and there are ways you can get help. Moment of Clarity provides effective mental health outpatient treatment in Santa Ana, California that can help people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health conditions. We know you deserve a brighter, happier future, and we understand how to help you achieve this with therapy, treatment, and medications. You don’t have to struggle alone this holiday season. To learn more about how we can help, call us at 949-625-0564 today.
