The holidays are often marketed as a joyous time where we all create memories with friends and family. Sometimes, that’s the case. Other times, the holidays can be a time of immense stress, with symptoms of anxiety or depression that can make it difficult for us to function.
Why are the holidays such a hard time for so many?
The Complexity of Holiday Emotions
There is no single reason that the holidays can be a difficult time. Different challenges affect different people, and sometimes, there are several issues that can affect people around the holiday season that create these mental health challenges. For example:
- Seasonal Depression – Many people struggle with seasonal depression, which tends to start right around now and get worse as time goes on. Seasonal depression is typically caused by a lack of sunlight that gets worse when we turn back the clock and daylight ends around 4 to 5 rather than 7 to 9. Since the holidays are around this time, many people are already not feeling their best.
- Family Conflicts – The holidays are typically a time where family gets together, and that can be stressful for many that have a tumultuous relationship with their parents, siblings, etc. Some may not be able to get together during the holidays because of these stresses. Others have conflicts that they’re concerned will come up during the holidays. I was recently featured on a Rent.com blog about this very topic. Family conflict can absolutely cause a lot of problems during this time of year.
- Holiday Anxiety – The holidays can cause anxiety on their own simply because of the work of it all. There is all the financial stress, the gift buying, the planning and cooking for the holidays, the travel – these are all things that can be overwhelming and cause a lot of anxiety.
During this time of year, many people also are not taking as good care of themselves, they’re not taking time to rest and reflect, and they’re possibly not eating well or exercising or doing the activities that used to help them manage anxiety, depression, and stress they may have been keeping away in the past.
Addressing the Holidays, Anxieties, and More
The holidays can be a time of incredible joy, but for many they can also be a time of stress, tension, and possibly anxiety and depression. If you feel like you could benefit from help during this time, please reach out to me today.