The festive season is often portrayed as a time of joy, celebration and family gatherings. Streets sparkle with lights, social media overflows with cheerful posts, and expectations run high.
But behind the glitter and glamour, many people experience emotional and mental health challenges during Christmas and New Year.
In this post we explore why the holidays can be difficult for some of us, how we can look after our mental wellbeing and where we can find help if we need it.
Why Christmas and New Year can be emotionally challenging
While the festive season is marketed as a time of happiness, for many of us the reality can be very different.
People can find the winter holiday season difficult to deal with for a range of physical and emotional reasons, including:
1. Loneliness and isolation
Not everyone has family or friends to celebrate with. For those of us who live alone, are estranged from loved ones, or have lost someone dear, the festive season can amplify our feelings of loneliness.
Rather than cheering us up, seeing other people enjoying family gatherings can make our own isolation feel even more intense.
2. Financial pressure
Buying presents, holding and/or going to parties, and the cost of holiday travel can strain finances. The pressure to meet expectations – especially in a world driven by social media – can lead to stress and anxiety, especially when we get into debt.
3. Grief and loss
For those of us who have lost loved ones, Christmas and New Year can be painful reminders of their absence, as the traditions that once brought us joy can often evoke sadness.
4. Unrealistic expectations
Social media and festive adverts often depict perfect holidays. When reality doesn’t match these ideals, it’s only natural that disappointment and frustration can set in as we can feel that we’ve somehow failed to create the “perfect” Christmas.
5. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
There can also be a physical reason for us to feel low at this time of year. Shorter days and lack of sunlight during winter are known to trigger seasonal depression. Combined with other stresses and strains of the holiday period, this can significantly impact our mental health.
Are you struggling?
It’s important for all of us to recognise when holiday stress is affecting our mental health. Here are some signs to watch out for …
* Persistent sadness or irritability
* Withdrawal from social activities
* Changes in sleep or appetite
* Feeling hopeless or overwhelmed
* Increased use of alcohol or substances to cope
While some of these feelings or actions aren’t necessarily serious, if they persist or get worse then it’s time to do something about them.
Practical ways to support your mental wellbeing
If some of the signs identified above apply to you, then here are some strategies you that might help you navigate the festive season:
1. Set realistic expectations
Don’t aim for perfection. Focus on what truly matters to you, whether it’s spending time with loved ones, enjoying a quiet day or getting outside. Simplify your plans and avoid overcommitting.
2. Create your own traditions
If old traditions bring pain, then start new ones. Whether it’s volunteering at a charity Christmas lunch, cooking a favourite meal, binge-watching telly or going for a long walk, personal traditions can make the season feel meaningful without pressure.
3. Budget wisely
For many of us, financial stress can be a major trigger during the holidays. Try to set a realistic budget for gifts and activities and remember that thoughtful gestures often mean more than expensive presents.
4. Stay connected
Reach out to friends, neighbours or community groups. Even a phone call or video chat can ease feelings of isolation. If you can, attend local events or join online communities for support.
5. Prioritise self-care
Take time for activities that relax and recharge you, such as reading, walking, listening to music or practising mindfulness. As with looking after our mental health during the rest of the year, it’s important to get the basics right, so try to make sure you sleep enough, eat properly and get exercise.
6. Limit social media
Constant exposure to posts about what a great time other people seem to be having can fuel comparison and dissatisfaction, so set boundaries for your screen time and remind yourself that social media rarely reflects reality.
7. Seek light and fresh air
If you’re affected by seasonal depression, try to get outside during daylight hours or try combating the effects of reduced sunlight by using light therapy lamps. And always remember that time spent in nature is good for our mental wellbeing, whatever time of year it is.
When to seek professional help
If feelings of sadness, anxiety or hopelessness persist, or if you experience thoughts of self-harm, then getting professional support is crucial. Mental health challenges are not a sign of weakness – they’re a sign that you need looking after.
Here are some resources that you might find helpful:
Mind: mind.org.uk organises Mental Elf Festive Fun Runs in locations around Wales and England.
Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free confidential telephone support, 24/7 or visit samaritans.org.
Shout: Text 85258 for free, confidential support via text, 24/7 or visit giveusashout.org
+++
Here at MTS Psychological Health, I am passionate about your mental health and emotional wellbeing. Don’t suffer psychological issues in silence: get in touch and discover how I can help you to alleviate a range of anxiety and depression symptoms from mild to severe presentations.
We can discuss the best clinical way to alleviate your suffering, which may be either through a course of psychoanalytic psychotherapy or with EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique / Tapping) and Aromatherapy, so you can enjoy life to the full again.