The Impact of the Holidays on Mental Health

The Impact of the Holidays on Mental Health

Taking a closer look into why mental health tends to worsen when the festive season winter comes around.

— by Carl Yazbek

The festive season is often painted with pictures of joy, love, and togetherness and holds a special place in our hearts. However, amid the glittering decorations and celebrations, it’s easy to overlook the fact that this period can also bring with it a unique set of stresses and challenges. Especially for people already experiencing mental illness or dealing with various social struggles and traumas. It’s crucial during this time to place a strong emphasis on mental health, ensuring that we’re caring for ourselves just as much as we’re caring for others.

There’s a definite change we all notice as the winter approaches, along with the holidays. Days get shorter, we get lazier, and the financial, social, and emotional pressures and stresses start to mount. Usually, these feelings of fatigue or sadness are temporary and are commonly referred to as “winter blues,” although they should not be confused with any medical diagnosis or mental health crisis.

Some may attribute these feelings to the slower winter season. Feeling a bit down during the winter months is perfectly normal, and thankfully, with lifestyle changes and proper self-care, most people who experience the winter blues find reprieve.

Holiday blues may be the result of a stressful holiday season or being away from those you love, but this “mood” tends to clear up as winter rolls by and you fall back into your routines. For others, the winter months can trigger a sharp decline in mental health. In some cases, this sadness can be so intense that it affects daily life and can even lead to more severe mental health challenges.

Why Does the Festive Season Affect Our Mental Health?

The festive season can have a myriad of effects on our mental health, whether we actively participate in the festivities or simply observe them happening around us. This time of year often introduces additional pressures and challenges.

You might find your mental health impacted in several ways. You may feel an aversion to the holidays or find it stressful due to other life events. It’s not uncommon to feel isolated or excluded, particularly when it seems like everyone else is enjoying themselves.

There can also be frustration stemming from societal notions of a ‘perfect’ holiday, especially if these ideals clash with your own experiences. For some, the expectations around the festive season, such as the pressure to enjoy it or fears that something might ruin it, can be distressing. Conversely, the holidays might offer a focus and something to look forward to, leaving a void when it concludes.

This period may also be a time of reflection, often bringing up difficult memories, regrets about the past, or anxieties about the upcoming new year. If you celebrate other religious festivals that receive less attention during this season, you might feel neglected or overlooked. Many people express feeling alienated during this season, especially when hearing others talk about their exciting plans, as it highlights the absence of similar relationships in their lives. Additionally, wanting to celebrate with someone who is struggling can also affect your mental health.

For those living with mental health issues, Christmas can present specific challenges. Your mental health condition might impede you from celebrating Christmas the way you would like. Certain experiences during the season could exacerbate your mental health problems or make them more difficult to manage, such as triggering hypomania or mania. The closure of mental health services over the Christmas period can also be a hindrance. Moreover, disruptions to your regular routines during this time can make managing your mental health more challenging.

Managing Holiday Stress

The holiday season, while festive and fun, can also be a source of stress and anxiety. From hosting gatherings to finding the perfect gifts, the pressure of social events and spending time with family members can be overwhelming for some.

In addition to holiday stress, the festive season is also a time when many people experience increased financial stress. With the added expenses of holiday gifts, travel, and events, the holiday season often comes with a high price tag. Many people find themselves struggling to make ends meet. Financial stress can lead to feelings of hopelessness and anxiety, which can impact mental health.

To handle this, it’s crucial to develop effective coping strategies. This could mean taking some time out for yourself to keep stress at bay or practicing a self-care routine that serves your mental well-being. It’s also important to plan a budget and stick to it, reminding ourselves that the holiday season is about togetherness, not expensive gifts. And remember, it’s okay to say no sometimes.

Navigating Family Dynamics

The holiday season often involves spending more time with family, which can be a source of both comfort and conflict. Family dynamics can be complex, and it’s essential to deal with these relationships thoughtfully. This means setting and respecting personal boundaries to ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities in comfort.

Coping with Loneliness

For those who find themselves alone during the holidays, feelings of isolation can be particularly intense. It’s important to recognize these feelings and take steps to mitigate them. Reach out to others, connect with your community, or join a holiday event. Remember, it’s okay to seek help if you’re feeling lonely. You’re not alone in your loneliness.

Dealing with Grief and Loss

For those who have experienced loss or trauma during the holiday season, this time of year can be especially difficult. The holiday cheer might seem jarring, and the festivities may feel a bit hollow. All of these factors can contribute to increased feelings of depression and anxiety during the festive months. It’s important to acknowledge this grief, give yourself permission to mourn, and seek support if you need it. Celebrate or mourn at your own pace, and remember, it’s okay to not be okay.

Tips for Taking Care of Yourself over the Festive Season

In the frenzy of holiday preparations and celebrations, self-care often falls by the wayside. However, the importance of a self-care routine cannot be overstated. It’s crucial to carve out some time for relaxation and rejuvenation, particularly given the fast-paced and often stress-inducing nature of the festive season.

Prioritizing our own well-being makes us more equipped to handle stress and difficult situations, and we will be able to give our best selves to those around us. Ultimately, it’s essential to practice self-care to achieve a sense of balance and well-being in all areas of life. By engaging in activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional health, we can improve our overall quality of life and create a foundation for long-term health and happiness.

Self-Care and Relaxation

Self-care and relaxation involve taking active steps to improve physical, emotional, and mental health. These practices can help us manage stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve relationships. This could mean a soothing bath, a quiet walk, a yoga session, or simply some downtime with a good book. They can also improve our physical health, often involving healthy habits like exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep, which can help boost the immune system, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and increase energy levels.

Caring for your mental health is as important as any other holiday preparation. However, not all self-care practices work for everyone. Experiment with different things until you find what works best for you. Some people may find that practicing yoga or taking a relaxing bath is more useful than doing a meditation practice. Most of all, be kind to yourself and don’t beat yourself up for not being perfect. Remember that self-care is a journey, and it’s okay to make mistakes or have setbacks.

Maintaining Healthy Routines

Despite the holiday indulgences, try to maintain your regular routines as much as possible. Stick to your usual exercise regime, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and balance your dietary habits. Sure, a few holiday treats are fine, but balancing these with health-conscious choices can help maintain your physical and mental well-being.

Setting Realistic Expectations and Finding Joy in Simplicity

The concept of the ‘perfect holiday’ is a pervasive myth propagated by movies and social media. We often feel pressured to create an idyllic holiday experience, setting sky-high goals that could lead to disappointment. It’s important to temper these expectations and set achievable goals.

Remember that the holiday season isn’t just about grand gestures and expensive gifts. It’s about the joy of coming together, love, and competition, not perfection. There’s a joy to be found in the simple, non-materialistic aspects of the season. A simple home-cooked meal with family could be the most fulfilling gift of all.

Reflecting and Goal Setting

As the year draws to a close, it presents the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past year and set goals for the new one. This isn’t about setting lofty New Year’s resolutions but rather about taking stock of where you are, where you want to be, and how you can get there. It’s an opportunity for personal growth and self-improvement.

Take Care of Yourself

As we navigate the festive season, always remember there’s never shame in asking for help. Looking after yourself should always be your top priority. Encourage open dialogues about mental health, share your own experiences, and offer support to others. The holidays are a time for togetherness, and that includes supporting each other’s mental health.

If you’re struggling with mental health or know someone who might need a helping hand, it is essential to seek support and guidance from a mental health professional. Our team is ready and waiting for anyone in need. Psyclarity Health is just a call away.