The Holidays Are Here—And So Are the Mixed Emotions

The holidays are, for many, a season of laughing, lights, and delight. For others, though, this season offers a complex range of feelings. Maybe you are financially overburdened,  lonely, or even about all the planning.

Should it apply to you, know this: you are not alone. Many people suffer throughout the holidays, even if on the surface everything seems happy and brilliant. But life doesn't press pause just because it's December. Grief, anxiety, financial stress, and even exhaustion don't take a vacation.

If you've felt sadness when hearing a Christmas song or a wave of stress comes over you, it doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. It means you're human.

The Press to Be "Happy": Perfect family pictures, Christmas celebrations, and lavish gifts abound on social media. Though so many others suffer, it might make you feel as though you are the only one.

Loneliness: The holidays can magnify your pain whether you have lost someone or live far from close friends. Feeling their absence even more this time of year is natural.

Concerns about Money: The expenses of the holidays can add to it all, between gifts, travel, and food. You are not alone if your financial situation worries you.

Family Tensions: No family gathering is perfect. Being around family can seem more like a chore than a celebration depending on old wounds, different views, or tense relationships.

Seasonal Blues: For some, shorter days and cooler temperatures cause Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a kind of depression connected to the lack of sunlight in winter.

Alcohol and Drugs: A Risky Escape

When emotions run high during the holidays, alcohol and drugs can feel like an easy way to escape stress or sadness. Holiday parties often involve heavy drinking, and the temptation to use substances to "take the edge off" can be strong. Unfortunately, this often makes things worse. Alcohol, a depressant, can intensify feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Drugs may temporarily mask pain, but they often lead to greater challenges, including health risks, strained relationships, and even addiction. For those in recovery, the holidays can be particularly triggering, with an increased risk of relapse. Recognizing these risks and finding healthier ways to cope can make a big difference.

You Are Not the Only One Feeling This Way.

Here is a reality check: more people than you could ever imagine are struggling. A poll by the American Psychological Association indicates that 38% of respondents say they get more stressed over holidays. Therefore, know that many others are traveling the same road even if you feel out of step with the cheer surrounding you.

1. Let Go of the Perfect Holiday Idea.

Nobody lives like a Hallmark film. If your holidays are quieter than others' or if things do not go as expected, it is not bad. Whether your priorities are simply getting through the day or a relaxing evening watching movies, concentrate on what really important to you.
2. Share It

Sometimes simply telling someone how you feel will help to lessen your weight. Visit a friend, relative, or therapist. Even keeping a notebook will help you sort out your feelings.
3. Tell "No." When You Required To
You are not required to attend every function or grant every demand. Save your energy. Saying, "I can't this time," without guilt is OK.

4. Emphasize the things under your control.
Though you cannot go back in time or undo specific events, you may create little, significant moments. See your preferred movie, make cookies, or go on a walk. Little pleasures accumulated.

5. Respect Loss

The holidays might accentuate your grief if you are in it. You are free to honor your loss anyway you choose. It's part of healing to light a candle, hang a particular decoration, or just let oneself experience the melancholy.

6. Link Where You Might Find Use

Look for ways to connect if loneliness is really getting strong. Participate at a community event, offer your time, or perhaps start an internet group. You could find it surprising how much it benefits to be among others.

Let's Talk About Anxiety

Understood stress? You are not dreaming of it. The holidays can tax everyone from gift-buying to cooking to hosting to trying to satisfy everyone's expectations. To lessen the weight:

Create a budget and avoid overspending what you can afford. More than costly gifts, thoughtful gestures convey.

If you are hosting, ask people to contribute a dish or assist in cleanup.
Take breaks; even if they are only a few minutes, step away when it becomes too much.

In case the Blues Go Deeper

For some, the holidays are more than just unpleasant; they are a time when melancholy seems unbearable. See a professional if you have depression symptoms including constant sorrow, trouble sleeping, or loss of interest in activities you typically love. Speaking with a counselor or therapist can really change things.

And keep in mind there are those willing to assist even if you ever feel hopeless. In the United States, phone a crisis hotline such as 988. Someone is there always to listen.

What You Are Feeling Is Real

Though they are complicated, the holidays can be a wonderful time. It's okay to experience all at once happiness and despair, enthusiasm and tiredness. You do not have to face your emotions alone; they are valid.

Tools for Support and Guidanceesources for Help and Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug use this holiday season, there are resources available: SAMHSA's National 

Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential, 24/7 support for substance use or mental health challenges. Visit their website.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Find a meeting or online support at AA.org.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Access meetings and resources at NA.org.

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. Learn more here.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate support for mental health crises. Visit their website. or text 988 for immediate support for mental health crises. Visit their website.