Opinion: The happiest season?: Mental health during the 2020 holidays
A popular Christmas song repeats the refrain “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes winter break, family holidays, and magical winter weather.
But despite the sparkling decorations and the holiday delicacies, the holiday season is a hard time for many people.
For some, the loss of a loved one makes the table seem far too empty, others may become anxious about holiday plans, and for some people the bright lights and loud holiday cheer trigger sensory sensitivities. In fact, the National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that “64% of people with mental illness report holidays make their conditions worse.”
This year’s holiday season is very different from what many people are used to. We’re entering the tenth month of the pandemic in the United States, which, according to Mental Health America, has led to a 93% rise in anxiety and a 62% rise in depression shown in their screenings. As the holidays approach, many people are grieving the traditions that aren’t possible this year.
Large family gatherings, many service projects and charity drives, and even traveling home are extremely dangerous with COVID-19. While in another time these traditions and routines might be comforting, right now they’re impossible, leaving many people isolated and without plans. Everyone, regardless of whether they have mental health issues, is struggling right now.
Mental health problems can feel incredibly isolating during the holidays. Storefronts and TV advertisements emphasize cheer and merriness, and when those feelings seem hopelessly out of reach, it’s easy to feel lonely or guilty.
Self-care is a necessity at all times, but during high-stress times it becomes imperative. Self-care looks different for everyone, but even for those with little experience, this is an excellent time to start. Some people may find making a meal for themselves and those they live with comforting, while others may need to order food from a restaurant and let themselves rest. Taking part in whatever exercise you are capable of, trying to get outdoors, and engaging in hobbies and passions are also ways to take care of yourself.
A number of mental health organizations have published resources on self-care during the holidays. The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health First Aid, and Harvard Health Publishing all offer guides to keeping yourself healthy and safe.
One important part of self-care is letting yourself feel your feelings, rather than suppressing them. In discussing how to cope with this holiday season, mental health advocates encourage their audiences to identify their feelings and acknowledge what they’ve lost.
It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to mourn what you can’t do this year. It’s okay to struggle or even completely break down during Hanukkah, Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or whatever holidays you celebrate. The important thing is to honor your feelings and do what you can.
Hold on to the small things that are the same, or the new little joys that arise. Keep in touch with family and friends via the internet. However you end up celebrating the holidays this year, remember to hold on. Winter doesn’t last forever, and even if it’s hard to say exactly what “better” is going to look like, things are certain to get better one day.
More Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
The Trevor Project Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
National Alliance on Mental Illness Resource List
Katelyn Allred is an opinion writer in her junior year of college. She’s studying English with an emphasis in creative writing and enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and baking.
katelyn.allred@usu.edu