A 2023 American Psychological Association (APA) survey showed that while U.S adults were feeling joyous during the holiday season, they were also feeling overwhelmed. The 10 most common holiday-related stressors are: spending too much or not having enough money to spend, finding the right gift, missing family or loved ones, having too much to do, feeling pressure to make the holidays special, food or alcohol-related issues, not being able to spend time/be with family or loved ones, experiencing or anticipating family conflict, feeling left out or excluded and traveling.
The APA reported that while many respondents would describe the holidays in positive terms (fun, joyous or exciting), others would describe them as stressful, overwhelming or exhausting. Some had coping strategies that helped.
APA Chief Executive Officer Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD, said this about mental health during the holiday season: “At this hectic time of year, it is important that people take care of their mental health, especially in communities whose members feel disproportionately burdened or excluded from what is traditionally considered the holiday season.”
Reframing our thinking about the holidays by viewing them as a series of opportunities to enhance our mental health rather than dreading their associated pressures can be beneficial.
In an October 2024 article, the APA suggests these tips to lessen holiday anxieties:
- Take time for yourself
- Volunteer
- Have realistic expectations
- Remember what’s important
- Encourage healthy conversations
- Seek support
The APA website also offers modules of information on a variety of holiday-related topics that include how to deal with financial strains, the need to find the perfect gift and political tensions; and it offers tips for parents on handling holiday stress and how to help grieving loved ones during the holidays.
As I said in my May 2025 blog post, there is no health without mental health, which is why it’s so important to get support when it’s needed, whether it’s during the holidays or any other time of the year.
Community mental health centers offer invaluable services where people live, work and attend school. In my role as host of Northeast Delta Dental Radio (107.7 WTPL), I interviewed Executive V.P. and V.P. of Finance and Operations at the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester (MHCGM), Jonathan Routher. I’m sharing highlights of what our listeners learned because MHCGM is the largest outpatient mental health center in New Hampshire and, in a variety of ways, its operational excellence and the spectrum of mental health services offered to people of all ages are exemplary.
The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester has a long history, first by serving young people and their families as a nonprofit outpatient clinic; then, since the Community Mental Health Act in 1963, operating as a community mental health center. It now offers 33 programs serving over 9,000 people and families in its geographic catchment area. This includes 1,500 veterans and their families.
Earlier this year, MHCGM became one of only two mental health centers in New Hampshire to be designated a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). CCBHCs offer a comprehensive, whole-person approach to care, integrating mental health, physical health and substance misuse services.
MHCGM’s services include outpatient counseling, helping people in psychiatric crises, the operation of three residential sites and stabilizing crises that begin in the home, workplace or school. I was encouraged to learn that they have clinicians stationed at 22 public schools throughout the region. By responding quickly, their staff reduce the potential of ongoing crisis care. Its new programs include a perinatal support program and a zero-suicide initiative.
If you’re interested in listening to the show, you can view the video.
Remember to pay attention to your mental health during the holidays and ask for help if you need it.