The holidays are meant to be a time to revel in the company of family and friends, give and get gifts, and enjoy food and drinks. But for many people, the season can also cause stress, disappointment and fatigue—making it a prime time to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.

A 2021 poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association found that Americans were five times more likely to say their level of stress increased rather than decreased during the holidays.

Why the holidays can be tough emotionally

Some years the holidays may be more stressful than others, depending on what you have going on in your life. These factors can include:

• Family dynamics: Conflicts within families can be difficult to navigate and cause significant stress and anxiety.
• Separation: If you aren’t able to be with those you love due to finances or other circumstances, this can be isolating.
• Loneliness: If you’ve lost loved ones or you don’t have family to celebrate with, isolation can also lead to loneliness, grief and depression, since there is so much emphasis during the holiday season on being with others.
• Financial difficulties: The holiday season is a time when some people overspend on gifts, decorations, travel and entertaining. For many others, money is a constant worry throughout the year, which the holidays only amplify: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2023, almost 40% of Americans reported struggling to make ends meet each month. And there is growing scientific evidence that financial strain plays a significant role in mental health, worsening depression and anxiety.
• Social anxiety: For some people, being around others actually isn’t what they want—especially if holiday gatherings bring up social anxiety, a form of anxiety that causes intense fear in social situations. Meeting new people or being at large gatherings, which abound during the holidays, may be difficult. You may fear being judged, humiliated or rejected, or experience symptoms in social situations like blushing, sweating, trembling or standing rigidly.
• Past trauma: If you’ve had difficult things happen to you in the past around the holidays—such as losing a loved one or experiencing domestic abuse or medical emergencies—you may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the season, a form of anxiety that can develop after trauma. The holidays may bring up flashbacks or recurring memories, or you might want to avoid places or people that remind you of what you went through.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder: Some people in northern areas like Oregon may experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression that occurs during fall and winter when the days are shorter and there is less sunlight.