Stress During the Holidays
The holiday season isn’t the “most wonderful time of the year” for everyone. According to a 2023 American Psychological Association (APA) poll, 89% of U.S. adults experience holiday-related stress, driven by factors such as financial strain, missing loved ones, and family conflict.
For many, this time of year can bring added stress, loneliness, or sadness—common signs of the “holiday blues.” While often temporary, these emotions can intensify existing mental health conditions or develop into more serious concerns if left unaddressed.
What Are The Holiday Blues?
The holiday blues refer to feelings of anxiety or depression during the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. They may be associated with extra stress, unrealistic expectations or even sentimental memories that accompany the season.
Symptoms of the holiday blues may include:
- Loneliness and isolation
- Sadness
- A sense of loss
- Fatigue
- Tension
- Frustration
The difference between the holiday blues and clinical anxiety or depression is that the feelings are temporary. They may come and go around specific holiday activities. However, if they are present for more than two weeks, especially every day, the mental health problem may be more serious.
It’s also important to understand that people already diagnosed with a mental illness can feel the holiday blues—and need to take extra care of themselves.
What Causes the Holiday Blues?
The holiday blues can affect anyone. Those with a mental illness, those who have experienced loss or trauma, and those prone to stress are more likely to struggle with mental health challenges during the holidays.
- Many factors can influence someone’s mood over the holidays, including:
- Lack of Sleep: Hectic holiday schedules often lead to a lack of sleep, which can exacerbate stress.
- Financial Strain and Stress: Financially overextending yourself or struggling to afford gifts can create added burdens of financial stress.
- Excess Food and Alcohol Use: People can sometimes use unhealthy coping mechanisms to manage holiday sadness. Excessive eating and drinking can worsen symptoms.
- Loneliness and Isolation: An inability to spend the holidays with friends and family can make this time very lonely.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Overcommercializing the holiday season can create unrealistic expectations and standards for everyone to feel nonstop joy and cheer.
Is It The Holiday Blues or Something More Serious?
The main difference between holiday blues and a serious mental health concern is the severity and duration of symptoms.
- Holiday blues: Short-term state of sadness, loneliness, or dissatisfaction tied to the season, often resolving after the holidays.
- Serious mental health concerns: Persistent symptoms like hopelessness, difficulty managing daily life, or depression that worsen over time. If symptoms last more than 2 or 3 weeks, it could indicate a more serious mental health concern.
How to Get Help
Even when feelings of stress or sadness are temporary, it’s important to stay proactive about your mental health to protect your emotional and physical well-being over time.
If you or someone you know is struggling, Brave Health’s team of licensed clinicians is here to help manage symptoms and support the path to healing. Prioritizing mental health during the holidays can make a lasting difference—preventing temporary challenges from turning into more serious concerns later on.
When you request an appointment or make a referral to Brave, our team begins outreach right away—and in most cases, care can start within a week.
Together, we can help ensure you and your loved ones feel supported this holiday season and beyond.
FAQs
What’s the difference between the holiday blues and seasonal affective disorder?
The key difference lies in timing and duration. Holiday blues typically involve feelings of sadness or stress that arise during the end-of-year holiday season—most often around November and December—and tend to fade once the season passes. In contrast, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of major depressive disorder that follows a recurring seasonal pattern, usually appearing during specific months each year.
Because the two can share similar symptoms, the best way to tell them apart is through a comprehensive assessment that considers both the duration and severity of symptoms.
What mental health services does Brave Health provide?
Brave Health offers one-on-one therapy, group therapy and medication management to individuals ages 13 and over.
What insurance does Brave Health accept?
We accept more than 200 insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and Commercial plans. View the full list of insurances we accept. Don’t see your insurance? Call or text us at (305) 902-6347.
What technology or equipment is required to participate in a telehealth mental health appointment?
You will need a computer, smartphone, or tablet with a camera and microphone, as well as a reliable internet connection.
Is telehealth mental health treatment confidential?
Yes, telehealth mental health treatment is subject to the same privacy laws and regulations as in-person treatment. The mental health provider will take steps to ensure the confidentiality and security of patient information.
In Short
The holiday blues are temporary, however these emotions can intensify existing mental health conditions or develop into more serious concerns if left unaddressed.
