There’s a common perception that the holiday season is a time for joy and happiness. After all, as the saying goes, ‘It’s the best time of the year.’
But for many people, the holidays actually present themselves to be a very stressful time that may cause anxiety and depression for a variety of reasons.
“Feeling lonely and stressed during the holidays is a common experience for many,” said Dr. Neel Doshi, a psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “The stress is often triggered by factors like the absence of loved ones, social isolation, unmet expectations around the festive season, comparisons to idealized holiday portrayals, and the added pressure of family gatherings and gift-giving.
“There can also be a sense of dread that accompanies the holidays, especially when it comes to attending social gatherings that can take the joy out of having time off from work or school. Rethinking expectations can help,” he continued.
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So, while the holiday season can be joyous, studies show it can also be a significant source of stress. Here are some key facts and statistics based on research related to reasons behind holiday stress:
- Financial Concerns: Many people feel stressed about spending too much or not having enough money for gifts and celebrations. This is a primary stressor for 58% of U.S. adults.
- Family Dynamics: Navigating family conflicts and expectations can add to the stress. Nearly 89% of U.S. adults report that something causes them stress during the holiday season.
- Time Management: The pressure to balance work, family and holiday preparations can be overwhelming. Around 41% of adults say their stress levels increase during the holiday season compared to other times of the year.
- Emotional Strain: Missing loved ones and dealing with the absence of family members can also contribute to holiday stress. About 38% of people feel stressed due to missing family or loved ones during the holidays.
- Gender Differences: More women than men report feeling stressed around the holidays, with women often shouldering more of the holiday planning and shopping responsibilities.
- Impact on Enjoyment: 43% of people say that holiday stress interferes with their ability to enjoy the season.
If you’re feeling stressed this time of the year, there are some simple steps you can take to alleviate stress during the holidays, Dr. Doshi advised.
“Connecting with yourself, such as through meditation or making time for a creative pursuit are ways you can lower your stress level,” said Dr. Doshi, who practices in Orange County. “Practicing gratitude and volunteering are also both excellent strategies to move past some of the challenges associated with the holiday season.”
Kaiser Permanente offers free information on stress management.
