Holiday Stress

Every year, we see the glitz and glamour that comes with the holiday season- twinkling lights, immaculately wrapped gifts, cheerful families- but unfortunately, there are harsh realities that are not typically highlighted. 

A major source of unhappiness during the holiday is classified as the holiday blues. It can be triggered by many things, including, but not limited to: pressure to be constantly happy, recent loss of a loved one, unhappy experiences from past holiday seasons, and even a loss of sunlight. In many regions, this time of year can be extremely dark and gloomy. This lack of sunlight, if prolonged, can lead to a more serious disorder, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Sufferers from Seasonal Affective Disorder tend to have other mental illnesses, such as depression, or have a family history of such illnesses. Symptoms may include low energy, loss of interest, anxiety, and extreme mood swings, among others. The easiest treatment is jetting off to a sunnier region, but that may not be reasonable for many, so light therapy is an alternative option. 

Holiday stress can also affect everyday people. It can range from simply being overwhelmed about buying gifts and pleasing family to becoming physically ill, to the pressure to be constantly happy and to deliver the perfect Christmas experience. 

"Any time we set ourselves up with high expectations, it's not going to work out that way," comments Debra Kissen, executive director of the Light on Anxiety CBT Treatment Center in Chicago.

Despite these stressors, there are ways to solve the problems that the holiday season poses. For some, opting out of the family gathering can do wonders for their health, while others can find solace in everyday habits, such as starting a gratitude journal or taking time to exercise or meditate for mental clarity.

Low-income families, very often, fall into the stress of the holiday season. Amidst the holiday cheer comes money concerns, as parents want to be able to provide the best for their children, but budgets fall short of fulfilling these dreams.

One low-income mother, Andrea Fuller, explains her struggles during the holiday season to Talk Poverty .

“Mixed in… was the sinking feeling that came with not knowing what I would tell my two children if I couldn’t afford any Christmas presents.”

The issue in question does not become fulfilled just by working harder. There comes a time when there just aren’t enough hours left in the day, and no more sacrifices to be made. Many organizations have come about to help these families, including The Salvation Army and Toys for Tots. 

Stress about the holiday season does not just affect low-income families. One major component for all classes is family gatherings. In most family dynamics, there are toxic relatives that damper the spirit. One common problem faced by those who suffer from mental illnesses, such as depression, is the criticism received by family members.

 Gloria Pope, director of advocacy and public policy for Chicago’s Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, comments on the issue.

“Some relatives don’t really believe you’re depressed. They think you’re just lazy, or that it’s all in your head. It can be really hurtful.”

Although the holidays can bring many sources of stress and unhappiness, the best way to combat these struggles is to find what makes you happy, and focus on that. The rest will come.