As sparkling lights and festive ornaments start to adorn our city streets, we are reminded of the widespread expectation that the holiday season should be a time of joy and merriment. However, for many individuals, the holidays can marked by feelings of loneliness, sadness, and stress. The pressure to conform to the narrative of festive cheer creates a daunting barrier for those experiencing such feelings; whether we feel a need to put on a happy face for our children, or we worry about being judged by our peers, it’s all too often for people experiencing the ‘holiday blues’ to navigate their struggles in silence.

At Takalam, we understand that the holiday blues are a real and valid experience. In this blog, we will explore what the holiday blues are, why they occur, and how online counseling services at Takalam can provide valuable support during this time. 

The holiday blues are the feelings of emotional distress that some people experience during or around the holiday season. These feelings are completely normal, and experiencing them doesn’t mean you have a mental illness. However, it’s still important to pay attention when you’re feeling blue because, if left unmanaged, these feelings can occasionally develop into more serious conditions like anxiety or depression.

In the short-term, the holiday season can be particularly stressful for a number of reasons, such as the pressure to be social and merry, financial stress and budgeting concerns, and the reminder of lost loved ones or happier times now past. Let’s take a look at how the holidays can exacerbate the feelings associated with these challenges:

• Social isolation: The emphasis on social gatherings and festive parties during the holidays can dramatically intensify feelings of isolation for those who may not have close connections. Research by UK-based mental health charity Mind suggests that a third of people (36%) are too embarrassed to admit that they feel lonely at Christmas.
• Financial strain: The financial demands of gift-giving and festivities contribute to stress and anxiety. A survey of more than 1,000 adults conducted by the Principal Financial Group found that 53% of people experience financial stress during the holiday season, despite more than half of these adults having set budgets for holiday spending.
• Grief and loss: Holidays often bring memories of loved ones, making this an especially challenging time for those who have experienced loss. The “anniversary effect”, which is a psychological term for the emotional response that occurs around the anniversary of a significant event, can intensify feelings of sadness, grief, or stress even when experienced many years ago, as our brains come to associate the holiday season with subsequent difficult experiences.

Takalam recognises the unique challenges that the holiday season can bring, particularly in situations where people feel they cannot speak up about experiencing sadness at a time when they are expected to be merry. Our online counseling services offer a confidential and accessible space for individuals to connect with licensed counselors in a judgement-free zone.

• Convenience: With Takalam, you can access professional support form the comfort of your home. This flexibility is especially beneficial during the busy holiday season.
• Specialized counselors: Connect with experts who specialise in areas related to the holiday blues, grief, stress management, and more
• Flexible scheduling: We understand that the holidays can be a hectic time. With kids off school, and many social obligations, providing flexibility in scheduling sessions makes it easier to prioritize your mental health.

The holiday blues are a shared experience, and seeking support is a positive step toward managing and overcoming these feelings. Those most affected by the holiday blues are typically people who already live with a mental health condition, so it’s important for us as individuals, friends, and families to know the symptoms and watch out for each other. If you suspect someone you know is grappling with difficult emotions during the holiday season, you can give the gift of mental well-being through purchasing a Takalam gift card. We offer a compassionate and convenient space for those who may otherwise be suffering in silence to connect with licensed counselors who can provide the guidance and support that we need during the holiday season. If you are struggling, remember that you are not alone and there is help available to ensure a healthier and more fulfilling holiday experience.