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Taking Care of Your Mental Health Over the Holidays

A person leaning on the shoulder of someone they trust and can confide in.

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and celebration—but the reality is, it can be tough for many of us. If you’re not feeling festive, that’s okay. You’re not alone, and your feelings are valid.

Why the Holidays Can Be Hard

  • Stress overload – Shopping crowds, financial pressure, and endless to-do lists can feel overwhelming. Even something simple—like forgetting to buy milk before the shops close—can add to the stress.
  • Feeling isolated – When everyone else seems happy, it can make you feel alone or left out. There’s often an expectation to be cheerful, but happiness isn’t something you can force.
  • Pressure to be “perfect” – Social media and family traditions can create unrealistic expectations. You don’t have to live up to anyone else’s idea of the “perfect” holiday.
  • Post-holiday blues – After the festivities, you might feel deflated or lost. It’s normal to feel a dip when the excitement ends.
  • New Year anxiety – Reflecting on the past year or setting goals for the next can feel overwhelming if you’re just trying to get through today, especially if difficult memories are resurfacing.
  • Not celebrating Christmas – If you don’t celebrate, whether that’s due to religion or otherwise, it can feel isolating when everything revolves around it. The second it hits December it feels like there’s no other focus.
  • Limited support services – Many mental health charities close for a short break, and they deserve it. For someone whose used to accessing certain services, this might be difficult to navigate.

What Might Help

  • Talk about your feelings – Share how you feel with someone you trust. Opening up can lighten the load and helps others know how best to support you.
  • Take time for yourself – Step away from the demands and do something restorative: journaling, reading, meditation—whatever works for you.
  • Be yourself – You don’t have to entertain everyone, cook everything, or buy gifts for everyone. Do things your way. Try not to put pressure on yourself.
  • Take a walk outside – It feels like everyone suggests exercising for your mental health. But they say this for a reason – it’s a natural mood booster. Our bodies release feel-good hormones when we’re active that can also reduce anxiety and stress and help us sleep better.
  • Do what you enjoy – Whether it’s a hobby, volunteering, or joining a local group, doing things that make you happy can lift your spirits.

Need Support? Here Are Some Helpful Contacts

  • Samaritans – Call 116 123 (FREE, 24/7)
  • Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (FREE, 24/7)
  • C.A.L.L. (Wales) – Call 0800 132 737 (FREE, 24/7)
  • CALM – Call 0800 58 58 58 (FREE, 5pm–midnight)
  • Mind – Call 0300 102 1234 (FREE; open until 2pm on 24/12, reopens 29/12)

Remember: It’s okay to feel how you feel. The holidays don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to do everything. Take care of yourself and be kind to yourself.

Photo by Transly Translation Agency on Unsplash

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Taking Care of Your Mental Health Over the Holidays

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