The Gift of Grace: Navigating Mental Health Struggles This Holiday

The holiday season is in full swing, now. This time of year it really seams like the holidays are often painted as a picture-perfect time filled with joy, laughter, and togetherness. But for many, this time of year brings stress, loneliness, or even grief. If the holidays feel more heavy than happy, you’re not alone, and your experience is just as valid as anyone else’s.

Why the Holidays Can Be Hard

• Pressure to be joyful: Social media and movies set unrealistic expectations that everything should be merry.
  
  

• Family dynamics: Gatherings can bring up old tensions, conflict, or painful memories.
  
  

• Financial stress: Gifts, travel, and extra expenses add up quickly.
  
  

• Grief and loss: The absence of loved ones can feel sharper during traditions and celebrations.
  
  

• Seasonal changes: Shorter days and less sunlight can affect mood and energy.
  
  

It’s okay if your holidays don’t look like the picture-perfect version. Real, normal, life is messier.

Ways to Support Your Mental Health

Set boundaries
It’s okay to say “no” to events or traditions that drain you. Protect your energy and prioritize what feels meaningful.

Keep routines in place
Stick with habits that ground you: regular meals, sleep, exercise, or daily quiet time.

Find moments of calm
Even five minutes of deep breathing, journaling, or walking outside can help reset your mind and body.

Reach out for connection
If you’re feeling isolated, call a friend, join a community group, or connect with supportive spaces online.

Honor your feelings
Grief, sadness, or stress doesn’t mean you’re “ruining the holidays.” It means you’re a normal human who is going through something worth paying attention to. Let yourself feel without judgment.

How to Support Others

Sometimes the best gift isn’t wrapped under the tree; it’s showing up for someone who’s struggling.

• Send a simple “thinking of you” message.
  
  

• Invite them for a low-pressure activity (a walk, coffee, or cozy movie night).
  
  

• Listen without trying to “fix.”
  
  

• Remind them they don’t have to go through this season alone.
  
  
  

Takeaway

The holidays can be both beautiful and difficult. If you’re struggling, remember: you don’t have to pretend everything’s okay, and you don’t have to go through it by yourself. Find support from loved ones, from community, and from professionals who care.

This season, give yourself the same compassion you’d give a friend. That may be the most meaningful gift you can give yourself.

Call 988 for 24/7 support. You are never alone.