Managing Depression During the Holidays: Family Triggers, Loneliness, and Coping Strategies

The holidays can bring joy, but for many, they also bring anxiety, sadness, and stress. In this episode, Dr. Anita Sanz and Terry McGuire discuss the mental health challenges people often face during the holiday season—from family dysfunction and social pressures to grief and isolation. With relatable stories and proven strategies, they explore how to cope, set boundaries, simplify expectations, and find your own meaning in the holidays—even when things get tough.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why the holiday season can worsen depression symptoms
• Coping with family dysfunction and stressful interactions
• Setting boundaries and managing expectations
• Grieving during the holidays and honoring lost loved ones
• Dealing with loneliness when you're alone for the holidays
• The “holiday bingo card” technique for managing stress
• The importance of buffer days and self-care during and after the holidays

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro
 00:11 - About the Podcast and Hosts
 01:09 - Why Holidays Are Especially Hard with Depression
 02:24 - Energy Demands and Emotional Exhaustion
 03:47 - Family Dynamics and Emotional Fallout
 04:52 - Financial Stress and Disrupted Routines
 05:43 - Simplifying Expectations and Protecting Energy
 06:50 - Being the Co-Creator of Your Holiday Experience
 07:53 - Coping with Holiday Loneliness and Isolation
 09:43 - Grief and Celebrating Without a Loved One
 11:23 - The “Holiday Bingo Card” Coping Strategy
 14:22 - Setting Boundaries and Planning Buffer Days
 15:57 - Final Tips for Mental Health During the Holidays
 16:43 - How to Share Feedback
 17:22 - Wrap-Up and Well Wishes
 17:28 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/