It’s the most wonderful time of the year but it can also be the most stressful. The holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day can mean heightened expectations, stress and even loneliness, or “holiday blues.”
According to a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) survey, around 24% of people diagnosed with mental illness say the holidays make their condition “a lot” worse while 40% say the holidays make it “somewhat” worse.
The survey showed the holidays can bring sadness, dissatisfaction and financial strain. Loneliness, too much pressure and unrealistic expectations were conditions that were also reported.
NAMI reports the holiday blues are different from mental illness, but even short-term mental health problems should be taken seriously because they can lead to more serious issues like anxiety and depression.
People already living with mental illness are often affected by holiday blues. Know the symptoms and look out for family members.
Here are some ways to avoid or minimize holiday blues:
- Keep expectations low and inform family in advance of your limits.
- Children and teens also get the blues. Most child psychiatric hospitalizations happen in winter.
- Focus on creating new memories, rather than trying to duplicate the past.
- Alcohol is a depressant. Do not drink when feeling stressed or depressed.
- It’s a myth that suicide rates increase during the holidays, but suicide risks are always serious.
Help is available through the CROSS Mental Health Region: https://crossmentalhealth.org/
Crisis Line: 988
Your Life Iowa Hotline: 855-581-8111
Your Life Iowa Text: 855-895-8398
Mobile Crisis: 1-844-428-3878