Holiday season causes stress, anxiety, depression among US adults

An online survey of 2,018 U.S. adults found that the holiday season causes mental and physical challenges for many adults.

Although the majority of survey respondents (70%) said the holidays are their favorite time of year, 30% reported that the holidays trigger mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and isolation, compared with other times of the year.

Overall, 44% report striving for perfection during the holidays and 32% said their expectations were usually met with disappointment.

Socializing with extended family caused stress among 38% of respondents. Half of adults reported alcohol plays a role in family gatherings during the holidays.

Fifty-four percent of adults reported eating more unhealthy foods and 19% reported consuming more alcohol than they typically do. Women were more likely to eat unhealthy foods, while men were more likely to consume more alcohol.

Among those who consumed alcohol during the holidays, 54% reported experiencing at least one negative consequence, including a hangover (37%), headache/migraine (24%), vomiting (22%), and saying things they later regret (16%).

Further, many reported experiencing potentially dangerous consequences after consuming alcohol during the holidays, including passing out (32%), blacking out with memory loss (24%), an accident such as falling (18%), having sex with someone they would not have if sober (16%), receiving a DUI or DWI charge (13%) or a car accident (10%).

“Mental health and addiction issues don’t take a holiday,” Joseph Garbely, DO, medical director of Caron Treatment Centers, said in a press release. “For numerous people, this season surfaces many painful issues that can exacerbate behavioral health symptoms. We want families to know they're not alone. Asking for help can be a critical first step.”