As the approaching holiday season begins to show itself in storefronts and the cooler temperatures remind us that change is on the way, many will find their holiday spirit struggling to adapt amid stress, worry, and uncertainty.
Looking at social media posts that depict merriment and seasonal joy can often lead to people making comparisons and developing unrealistic expectations. Financial, emotional, and relationship stress are just three pressures that may lead North Texans to feel drained, disappointed, and discouraged.
During the holiday season, some 38% of people say their stress levels increase, according to a survey by the American Psychological Association, per HealthPartners.
Even those who do not show a propensity for depression can find the holidays mentally challenging as loneliness and isolation can become more evident against the background of celebrations.
“Holiday blues” can leave individuals temporarily frustrated, sad, tense, and tired, per the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Everyday Health reported.
Although the holiday blues are short-term, mental health concerns must be taken seriously as they can lead to clinical anxiety and depression, NAMI warns.
Recently reported data looked at the state of depression in Dallas and surrounding areas between 2020 and 2022. The top ZIP code populations with the highest number of individuals with mild to severe depression per 100,00 people were in Grand Prairie, Mansfield, McKinney, Allen, and Keller, according to the 2023 Report from Mental Health America of Greater Dallas.
Experts recommend five strategies to help taper holiday blues: stay active and get outdoors, share how you are feeling with trusted loved ones, assess your relationships and set boundaries, consider volunteering, and create a list of favorite activities to turn to when feeling down, per Everyday Health.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health crisis, please call 988, send a text to 988, or chat online with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides free and confidential support, prevention, and resources 24/7.
