Typically, Christmas is a joyous time spent with friends and family and is something to look forward to.
However, many people find Christmas to be a challenging time of the year and something that can lead to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
The question, then, is what causes such mental health issues to arise.
One of the most common causes of mental health issues at Christmas is financial difficulties. Many people want to be able to get nice gifts for their loved ones and have a big Christmas dinner.
This is, however, not always financially viable. For those that are unemployed or working minimum wage jobs, the prospect of vast Christmas expenses is daunting.
Taking a loan is common during Christmas but this can further perpetuate stress and anxiety.
Christmas is also most commonly associated with spending lots of time with family and friends. For many, this is not possible. (1)
Whether simply unable to travel, dealing with divorce, or being bereaved, Christmas can feel like a very lonely time for many people. Dealing with such things is difficult, but not being with those you love at Christmas can further lead to feelings of isolation and depression. (2)
Christmas is a time where people like to relax and tend to eat and drink more than they normally would.
This is usually something to look forward to but for people suffering from substance dependencies, eating disorders, or those who are concerned with dieting, the pressure of Christmas excess can be detrimental to their mental health.
Increased food and alcohol consumption, and the potential lack of exercise, has been found to increase the stress and anxiety during the Christmas period. (4)
How to Cope with Mental Health Issues During Christmas
Although Christmas can cause a lot of stress, there are lots of great ways to help alleviate mental health issues during this season.
One of the best things to do is to talk to someone. This does not need to be friends or family. Medical professionals and specialised organisations, such as The Samaritans, will be able to help (see more useful organizations below).
A great way to connect with people is to join a local community group or to volunteer. Many organisations run food banks and homeless outreach programs during the holiday season.
This is a great way to give back and to deal with any feelings of isolation.
If the thought of Christmas is causing stress, anxiety, or depression, it is worth considering creating an action plan.
For example, some studies recommend writing down potentially difficult dates or events, why they are difficult, and how they can be avoided or minimised.
Another way to plan ahead is to create a healthy routine; this could include tracking eating and drinking habits, developing a workout regime, or planning hobbies.
Many studies have found that one of the best ways to minimise stress, anxiety, and depression, is to take regular breaks from social media.
Commonly, people will compare themselves to what they see on social media. During the Christmas period, this can lead to feelings of being left out and inadequacy – things that can lead to anxiety and depression. (2)
For more information about Christmas, mental health, and coping strategies, please check out the infographic below:
References
[2] Erzen, Evren, and Özkan Çikrikci. "The effect of loneliness on depression: A meta-analysis." International Journal of Social Psychiatry 64, no. 5 (2018): 427-435.
[3] Naslund, John A., Ameya Bondre, John Torous, and Kelly A. Aschbrenner. "Social media and mental health: benefits, risks, and opportunities for research and practice." Journal of technology in behavioral science 5, no. 3 (2020): 245-257.
[4] Covered more generally in Alcohol Rehab Wales article.