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As the winter holidays approach, a new survey from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) reveals that 28% of Americans are experiencing more stress this year compared to 2023. While stress is common during the holiday season, the causes appear to be more pronounced this time around. The survey, conducted by Morning Consult in November 2024, identifies several key factors contributing to the heightened anxiety.
The top sources of stress include financial concerns, grief, and family dynamics. A significant 46% of respondents expressed anxiety about the costs associated with buying gifts, while 47% mentioned the emotional burden of grieving a loss or missing a loved one. Additionally, 35% cited challenging family relationships as a key source of stress.
A Happy Yet Hectic Season
Dr. Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO of the APA, explained that the holiday season is both a time of joy and stress. “The holiday season can be both a happy and stressful time of year in part due to expectations to spend time with family and friends, navigate family conflicts, and uphold important traditions,” he said.
Evans emphasized the need to take care of mental health, especially in communities that may feel excluded or burdened by the traditional expectations of the holiday season.
Financial Strain and Political Tension
Financial worries are especially felt by younger adults. More than half (54%) of individuals aged 18 to 34 expressed concern about the cost of gifts, compared to just 38% of those 65 and older. This marks a significant shift in how different age groups experience holiday stress.
Despite the upcoming 2024 election, the survey showed that only 23% of respondents are worried about discussing politics or current events with family members. This figure remained steady from 2023, although concerns varied by political affiliation. Thirty percent of Democrats voiced apprehension about political discussions at holiday gatherings, while 21% of Republicans and 17% of Independents shared similar concerns.
A Mixed Bag of Holiday Emotions
Despite the rising levels of stress, there are still moments of positivity. The survey highlighted several things that people look forward to during the holiday season:
- 41% anticipate seeing family and friends
- 24% are excited about enjoying good food
- 8% plan to take time off
- 8% are looking forward to giving and receiving gifts
This marks the fourth consecutive year the APA has explored holiday-related mental health, and consistently, concerns about affording gifts and meals have ranked high on the list.
Pandemic Anxiety Still Lingers
Another notable finding is that 36% of respondents reported feeling “very” or “somewhat anxious” about COVID-19 this year, marking a 3% increase from 2023. This indicates that pandemic-related worries continue to affect people’s mental health, even as many return to traditional holiday celebrations.
Finding Meaning Amid the Chaos
Marketa M. Wills, APA CEO and Medical Director, urges people to focus on the deeper meaning of the holidays—quality time spent with loved ones. “For many, the holidays bring about mixed feelings, from joy to worry to grief,” she said. “Mental health is often tested over the winter holidays, and it’s important to remember that although finding the perfect gift or preparing the favorite feast is gratifying, we can find meaning in the season by spending time with the people who mean the most to us.”
The True Spirit of the Holidays
Dr. Evans reminded everyone that, despite the stress, the holidays offer an opportunity for growth and connection. “Psychological science tells us that setting aside time to strengthen our relationships and engage in traditions can benefit our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, which can prepare us to better manage stress year-round.”
Ultimately, the true value of the holiday season lies not in the material aspects, but in the relationships we nurture and the connections we make. By prioritizing these meaningful bonds over the pressures of perfection, individuals can experience a more fulfilling holiday season.
This year, while holiday stress may be on the rise, it serves as a reminder that connection, understanding, and presence are the keys to managing both the challenges and joys of this time of year.
