For many, the holiday season is synonymous with joy and celebration. However, for a significant portion of the population, it can be an emotionally taxing time.
According to the American Psychological Association, 89% of U.S. adults report feeling overwhelmed by concerns such as financial strain, missing loved ones, or the stress of family conflicts during the holidays, and 43% of those polled feel that holiday-related stress interferes with their ability to enjoy the season.
Depression often spikes during the holidays because of social isolation or a sense of heightened responsibilities and burden. What’s more, the pervasive portrayal of perfect holiday celebrations in media and on social platforms sets unrealistic expectations, amplifying feelings of inadequacy or loneliness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has found that 64% of individuals with a mental illness experience worsened symptoms during the holidays.
But SAD isn’t the only factor at play. The holidays often bring added pressures that can weigh heavily on anyone.
Common triggers include:
It’s also vital to set realistic expectations. Let go of the pressure to create a perfect holiday and focus on what genuinely brings you joy, whether that’s spending time with loved ones, enjoying a cozy night in, or simply embracing moments of stillness. Remember, it’s about presence, not perfection. Feelings of isolation can deepen during the holidays, so make an effort to reach out for support. A conversation with a friend or family member can offer comfort, and volunteering is another way to connect with others while finding purpose. If you’re struggling with profound sadness or loneliness, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a mental health professional – they can provide tools to help you deal with these emotions.
Finally, be mindful of how you use alcohol. While celebrations often involve drinking, excessive alcohol consumption can amplify depression and anxiety, leaving you feeling worse. By approaching the holidays with intention, you can create space for both healing and joy.
At Keta Medical Center, ketamine therapy is tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs. Treatments are offered as either IV infusions or Spravato, a nasal spray. Both options are administered under the care of experienced medical professionals, ensuring safety and comfort throughout the process. Many patients report feeling a significant improvement in their symptoms within just hours to days of treatment.
According to the American Psychological Association, 89% of U.S. adults report feeling overwhelmed by concerns such as financial strain, missing loved ones, or the stress of family conflicts during the holidays, and 43% of those polled feel that holiday-related stress interferes with their ability to enjoy the season.
Depression often spikes during the holidays because of social isolation or a sense of heightened responsibilities and burden. What’s more, the pervasive portrayal of perfect holiday celebrations in media and on social platforms sets unrealistic expectations, amplifying feelings of inadequacy or loneliness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has found that 64% of individuals with a mental illness experience worsened symptoms during the holidays.
What causes depression during the holidays?
The holiday season is a time of joy for some, but for others – especially those already living with anxiety or depression – it can intensify emotional challenges. Stressors that may be manageable during other times of the year often feel amplified between November and January. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is one potential contributor. This form of depression is linked to reduced exposure to natural light during winter, which affects the brain’s chemistry, altering mood and sleep patterns. SAD is most common in northern climates, where shorter days and longer nights make the condition more pronounced.But SAD isn’t the only factor at play. The holidays often bring added pressures that can weigh heavily on anyone.
Common triggers include:
- Financial strain: The cost of gifts, travel, and hosting events can create financial stress that feels impossible to escape.
- Social isolation: Loneliness can feel especially stark during the holidays when images of family gatherings and celebrations are everywhere. For those grieving the loss of a loved one, these feelings can be even more profound.
- Anxiety about family gatherings: Tensions or unresolved conflicts within families often surface during holiday events, adding stress and emotional fatigue.
- Unrealistic expectations: Media and social platforms often portray a picture-perfect holiday, creating pressure to meet impossible standards. This can leave people feeling like they’ve fallen short.
- Substance abuse: Alcohol use frequently increases during the holidays, whether at celebrations or as a way to self-soothe. Unfortunately, excessive drinking can worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression in the long term.
Self-care is key for coping with holiday and post-holiday depression
Navigating the holidays with anxiety or depression can feel overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to protect your mental well-being and regain balance. Prioritizing self-care is key. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices can provide a buffer against the season’s stresses. Even small, consistent actions – like taking a walk or carving out quiet time – can improve your mood and energy.It’s also vital to set realistic expectations. Let go of the pressure to create a perfect holiday and focus on what genuinely brings you joy, whether that’s spending time with loved ones, enjoying a cozy night in, or simply embracing moments of stillness. Remember, it’s about presence, not perfection. Feelings of isolation can deepen during the holidays, so make an effort to reach out for support. A conversation with a friend or family member can offer comfort, and volunteering is another way to connect with others while finding purpose. If you’re struggling with profound sadness or loneliness, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a mental health professional – they can provide tools to help you deal with these emotions.
Finally, be mindful of how you use alcohol. While celebrations often involve drinking, excessive alcohol consumption can amplify depression and anxiety, leaving you feeling worse. By approaching the holidays with intention, you can create space for both healing and joy.
How ketamine therapy provides relief
For individuals with severe or treatment-resistant depression, ketamine therapy offers a safe and effective option, often providing rapid emotional relief. Unlike antidepressants that can take weeks to show results, ketamine works quickly by promoting the release of a neurotransmitter called glutamate, which improves mood and restores motivation and vitality. In addition, by fostering neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to “rewire,” ketamine can help patients break free from entrenched patterns of thought and emotion. This can make the New Year an ideal time to begin treatment, as ketamine therapy can boost the energy and clarity needed to set and achieve personal goals. Setting clear intentions before treatment can further unlock ketamine’s full therapeutic potential, helping patients focus on areas of growth, healing, and meaningful change.At Keta Medical Center, ketamine therapy is tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs. Treatments are offered as either IV infusions or Spravato, a nasal spray. Both options are administered under the care of experienced medical professionals, ensuring safety and comfort throughout the process. Many patients report feeling a significant improvement in their symptoms within just hours to days of treatment.
