Twinkling lights, stores filled with shoppers and family holiday celebrations bring excitement — and sometimes stress. For individuals with a mental health diagnosis, the holiday season can feel overwhelming.
Mental Health During the Holidays
The holidays can be a difficult time for many, Monarch experts note, with increased stress levels, grief, isolation, loneliness, family conflicts and financial burdens. These factors can lead people to seek mental health crisis services during this time of year.
This means the holidays are especially difficult for those already facing mental health challenges. According to a study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64% of individuals living with mental illness experience worsening symptoms during the holiday season.
Monarch, like many other behavioral health providers, typically experiences an increase in people seeking support during the holidays. Common challenges we see include worsening depression, low energy and a lack of motivation or interest in daily activities. This is often linked to seasonal changes and the added pressure of the holiday season.
Monarch offers outpatient and crisis services for children, teens and adults across North Carolina, providing help for those struggling with holiday stress or worsening symptoms.
Seasonal and Holiday Stress: Understanding the Impact
For some, the holiday season is made even harder by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that typically occurs during the fall and winter months. Shorter days and less sunlight can affect mood, causing people to feel sad or unlike themselves. These symptoms often improve in the spring when the days become longer and brighter.
The holidays also bring extra responsibilities, such as family gatherings and social commitments, which can add to feelings of stress. Monarch staff explain that strained family relationships may trigger anxiety and uncomfortable emotions. “Spending time with family may cause anxiety for people who do not have healthy relationships with their loved ones, siblings, parents, or extended family,” they note.
For individuals with serious mental health conditions, holiday stress can make symptoms worse. For example:
- Schizophrenia: The added pressure may heighten symptoms like delusions, hallucinations or disorganized speech.
- Mood Disorders: People with depression or bipolar disorder may face a higher risk of relapse into depressive or manic episodes.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call 9-8-8, the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline, for immediate support.
Practical Tips for Managing Holiday Stress
To help individuals manage holiday stress and symptoms of SAD, Monarch staff recommend the following:
- Accept your limitations and be patient with yourself and others.
- Set realistic expectations and focus on what matters most to you.
- Learn to set boundaries and say “no” when needed.
- Avoid using alcohol or substances to numb emotions, as this can worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Let your loved ones know how they can support you.
- Find healthy ways to release stress, such as starting new traditions, spending time outdoors, journaling, exercising or sharing your feelings with someone you trust.
Seeking Help
Monarch staff emphasize that seeking professional help is key. If symptoms become severe or persist for more than two weeks, don’t wait for the “right time.” Reaching out to a therapist or behavioral health professional can lead to feeling better and taking steps toward recovery.
Monarch is here to help. For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, call us at (866) 272-7826.