Rise in Mental-Illness Issues Seen During Holiday Season

December 24, 2022

Mountaineer News

Community Health

Although the holidays are one of the happiest times of the year, people with mental illness may not see it the same way. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 31% of adults said they expect to feel more stress this holiday season compared with last year, which could lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. Experts find being around family at the holidays can introduce numerous triggers for a psychological episode. Dr. Sharon McLennon-Wier, executive director of the Center for Independence of the Disabled-New York, described what some triggers might be. "Some triggers can be too much alcohol, too much drug consumption around the holidays," she pointed out. "Folks who say that they don't necessarily have plans or say that they don't necessarily celebrate, or say that they like being alone during the holidays." She noted asking about whether a person doesn't celebrate the holidays for a religious reason is important, and added the holidays also can be a trigger for those dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder, which the National Institute of Mental Health said affects millions of Americans. While mental health has become less stigmatized in recent years, there are plenty of reasons why people might not take care of their mental health, including culture, a lack of mainstream information about it, and the notion people are weak if they take care of their mental health. "People need to understand that a lot of our emotions are indicative of our level of hormones that do control our level of interaction and engagement with people," McLennon-Wier emphasized. She added it could be part of a biochemical problem, which may need to be handled with medication. In her experience, she has observed the holidays can make people question their self-worth or fixate on a career achievement which has not been met. Other triggers are financial problems. According to a 2021 survey by the American Psychiatric Association, affording gifts at the holidays was a large source of stress for people.

References: Study American Psychiatric Assn. Dec. 2022 Seasonal Affective Disorder Nat'l Institute of Mental Health 2022 Survey American Psychiatric Assn. Nov. 2021 Survey Sesame Nov. 2021