Holiday Depression and Anxiety: Coping With Stress and Protecting Your Mental Health

The holidays are supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” But for many, they bring stress, grief, financial strain, and worsening depression. In this episode, psychologist Dr. Anita Sands helps us unpack why holiday depression and anxiety are so common—and how to care for your mental health when expectations feel overwhelming.

From practical coping strategies to compassionate mindset shifts, this conversation offers tools you can use right away to reduce stress, navigate family dynamics, and create a season that supports your well-being instead of draining it.

If you struggle with holiday depression or anxiety, you are not alone—and you deserve a holiday that includes peace, self-care, and permission to do less.

Primary Topics Covered

• Why depression and anxiety often worsen around the holidays
• How grief, finances, and social expectations intensify stress
• Dr. Anita Sands’ “holiday gift” of compassionate invitations
• The power of giving yourself permission to say “no” or change traditions
• Self-care basics for protecting mental health during busy seasons
• Coping with comparison, pressure, and guilt
• Practical ways to reduce stress and find meaning

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: depression and the holiday season
 01:13 – Why depression and anxiety often worsen during holidays
 02:26 – Family dynamics and the pressure of expectations
 03:42 – Why some people withdraw during celebrations
 05:33 – The role of grief and exhaustion in holiday depression
 06:31 – Dr. Sands’ “holiday gift” of low-pressure invitations
 07:22 – Practicing compassion and flexibility with others
 08:44 – The importance of self-care during stressful times
 10:46 – Reconnecting with love, hope, and goodwill
 12:46 – Giving yourself permission to choose differently
 13:56 – Doing less and protecting your mental health
 14:46 – The cost of holiday stress—emotional and financial
 16:12 – Changing traditions to support well-being
 17:15 – Closing encouragement and holiday reminders

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