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How to Manage Your Holiday Stress

Date: 10/17/25

The holiday season is a magical time of year. It can also be stressful – from increased social gatherings and financial stress to anxiety and loneliness. Holiday-related stress can often lead to depression, anxiety, and physical illness. Sometimes individuals living with a mental illness reported that their conditions worsen around the holidays.

Having a plan can help you enjoy a healthier and happier holiday season. Below are tips from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to help support your mental health and your loved ones during the holidays.

  1. Pay attention to your feelings. Recognizing your feelings is the first step to addressing and nurturing them.
  2. Develop a plan for when you are feeling stressed, sad, or lonely. Having a plan ahead of time can help ensure the difficult moments are more manageable.
  3. Practice self-care. Schedule time for yourself and activities that recharge your mind and body. It is also important to remember to prioritize necessities, including eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of sleep, and finding time for exercise.
  4. Connect with community. If you can’t be near loved ones during the holidays, finding a supportive community through clubs, support groups, community centers, local meetups, and faith communities can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  5. Support others. During this time of year feelings of grief and loss can amplify. Check in on loved ones who may be alone or struggling during the holiday season. Helping others has a positive impact on you, too.
  6. Recognize seasonal mood changes. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition in which people experience symptoms of depression that are triggered by the change in seasons as the days get shorter. While this form of depression often improves in the spring and summer, it is important to talk with your health-care provider if you feel you are experiencing these symptoms.
  7. Avoid alcohol and drugs. For family and friends, it is important to check in on those who may be struggling with substance use over the holidays. For people in recovery, the holiday season presents challenges that can trigger the use of alcohol and drugs. Having a plan for navigating social events and feelings of loneliness can reduce the risk of substance use.
  8. Know when to seek help. If you feel that your mental health struggles are becoming overwhelming and difficult to handle, it is important to seek help and know that treatment is available.

Below are confidential resources offered at no cost that can connect you with effective treatment and support.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - A confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

FindSupport.gov — An online guide that helps people navigate through common questions when they are at the start of their journey to better behavioral health.

FindTreatment.gov — A confidential and anonymous source of information for persons seeking treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories for substance use/addiction and/or mental health problems.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — If you or someone you know needs support now, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Simply call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

Veterans Crisis Line — Reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. Dial 988 then press 1, text 838255 or chat online.