Stockton– November has arrived and that marks the beginning of the winter and the holiday season. Every year winter is very anticipated. With Mariah Cary becoming an annual meme and Black Friday’s deals getting the same amount of hype every year, winter is arguably the best time of the year. Although the holiday season is known for the joyful atmosphere, the stress created during this time of the year is left completely ignored, and the neglect of this reality is sad.
Around the holiday season, notices of stress have been rising higher with each passing year. A staff member at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center conducted an interview with Dr. Wetter. In the interview she said “While the holidays don’t necessarily exacerbate mental health conditions specifically, they do have the tendency to create more stress.” With stress constantly increasing, it leaves more people vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and trouble sleeping.
Many now wonder, what causes all this stress during this time of they year? According to Perham Health, the main causes of holiday sadness are the following:
- Pressure to Meet Expectations: people feel pressured to make everything “perfect”.
- Family Dynamics: When planning a gathering, including certain family members may evolve to conflict.
- Financial Burden: With massive financial loss such as traveling, hosting, and gift giving.
- Loneliness and Grief: The holiday season can become a challenge for those who recently lost loved ones.
- Overwhelming Schedules: With gatherings, shopping, work, and school events to attend, it can be overwhelming for any parent.
For more information, such as the symptoms and strategies to manage the holiday stress check out: https://www.perhamhealth.org/managing-holiday-stress/
Although the holiday season is known as the most stressful time of the year, it’s hard to ignore the fact that it still brings so much joy to many around the world. WIth family coming over, gifts being exchanged, and the overall warm feeling, the holiday season truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Just make sure to check in on the people in your life, and ask how they have been.
