Emotions Surrounding The Holiday Season

Around the holiday season, many people are buzzing with excitement to travel, visit friends and family, eat good holiday meals, and receive gifts. Although it’s what many of us look forward to, the holiday season can be exhausting and stressful for others. According to studies, doctors have found that depression increases around the holiday season because of increased responsibility as well as the anxiety of family gatherings. The National Alliance on Mental Illness(NAMI) studies show around 64% of people struggling with mental illnesses feel worse around the busy holiday season. As the weather gets colder and evenings become darker, depression is more common. Daylight Savings impacts the energy and mood of people, which often leads to an unhappy season. The typical representation of the holiday season includes a joyful time surrounded by loved ones. Mental illnesses around the holidays can further impact the people who are unable to achieve this ideal, and may be alone or not in the happiest state, while seeing their peers live this idealized version of their own reality. Many also struggle while experiencing the holidays for the first time after the loss of a loved one.

Although there are many who are fortunate enough to be able to travel to be with loved ones, they may also experience immense stress. Responsibilities around the holiday season include gift giving, travel expenses, and increased social interactions. Buying gifts may be seen as an obligation, despite the possible financial burdens they present. Research states that buying perfect gifts for every friend and family member greatly increases anxiety. Stress can also be caused by rushing to make sure travel expenses and tickets are paid for in advance before they become unavailable. Many worry about their finances, while struggling to pay for gifts and trips. Aside from anticipation of upcoming plans, the disappointment of being unable to see family or friends increases stress levels too. The COVID-19 Pandemic has only further heightened anxiety, especially  for families planning to congregate  due to the threat of spreading illness amongst relatives. Many of these expectations and tasks can cause extreme fatigue both physically and mentally, in addition to feelings of stress and anxiety. 

Recently, the rules around daylight savings have changed. In March of 2022, the US senate agreed to pass a law ensuring that Daylight Savings will become permanent in 2023. During the holidays, it usually becomes darker earlier, which greatly affects the mood of anyone in general. Studies have shown that seasonal depression has been caused by the amount of daylight, and the changes between warmer and colder seasons. The purpose of this law is to hopefully decrease the seasonal depression and make the holidays a happier time for everyone.