It’s the most wonderful time of the year! At least that’s how the holiday seasons are usually portrayed. Yet for many people, the holidays are perhaps the most stressful and overwhelming time of the year. Between being filled with family expectations, financial pressure, and a busy life, it is so easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed during this period of time.
Psycamore understands that holidays can be complicated and stressful. We are here so that you don’t have to face those feelings alone. Our mental health professionals are well-versed in treating anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns that arise from the pressure of the holidays. We’re here to help you navigate this season with compassion, understanding, and experienced support.
What Causes Holiday Depression?
Depression, anxiety, and stress seem to go hand-in-hand with the holiday seasons. Why do people feel this way when it’s supposed to be such a happy time? Common causes of holiday stress include:
- Increased financial pressure from hosting, traveling, parties, and giftgiving
- Social expectations from family and friends
- Work stressors from time off request which increase the workload of those who do not take time off and leave accumulated workload for those who do take time off
- Loneliness and isolation if you do not live near your loved ones or choose not to spend time with your loved ones over the holidays
- Grief, if you are missing family members who have passed away or have broken relationships that are not mended.
- Seasonal affective disorder, which happens during winter when reduced sunlight affects certain individuals
What are the Effects of Holiday Stress?
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you may feel overwhelming fatigue, irritability, sadness, anxiety, sleep changes, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of loneliness, to name a few. These can lead to a whole host of other mental health concerns, so it’s important to seek help if you feel this way.
What Can You Do to Alleviate Holiday Depression and Stress?
Understanding the many emotions that may arise during the holidays is the first step to being able to work through these complex emotions. After decades in the mental health profession, our team is well-versed in the many techniques and methods available to help you cope with holiday mental health concerns.
How can Psycamore help you? Our mental health professionals can help you identify and manage the negative thought patterns that persist and grow during the holiday season. You may need to process grief or loss, improve your communication and strengthen relationships, rebuild resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies for both everyday life and during the holiday season. Our licensed, experienced team is here to help you learn and apply these techniques, re-establishing motivation and resilience during the holidays. Seeking support from those with experience and compassion is a sign of strength and is truly the first step toward a happier, healthier you all year long.
Give us a call today to begin the process, and in the meantime, check out our next article where we discuss 5 practical ways you can manage holiday stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Psycamore cares and we’re here for you!
Our Clients Say:
