Holiday Anxiety: Is it the Economy or Something More?

New polls suggest Americans anticipate more holiday stress this year. Economic worries are a major factor, yet it’s worth digging deeper. I’ve seen this pattern emerge cyclically.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) survey points to the economy and healthcare as top anxieties. Fair enough. But when you single out the holidays, missing loved ones and affording gifts surface as key stressors. Could financial strain merely amplify existing grief and anxieties?

Younger adults, the poll indicates, feel more holiday stress. This makes sense. They are often navigating early career uncertainty and establishing new traditions separate from their families of origin.

It’s interesting that almost half of those surveyed actually find the holidays positive. Seeing family, good food – these remain powerful draws. One expert mentions the benefit of looking forward, a decidedly upbeat angle.

Still, anxieties loom. One psychiatrist observes that environmental factors, political stress, and social media comparisons add fuel to the fire. I’d say he’s correct. Social media, in particular, amps up the pressure to project a “perfect” holiday.

Clinical psychologist Ryan C. Warner, PhD, talks about noticing early anxiety signs. Good advice. Paying attention to tension, or irritability before it snowballs is key.

So, how do you manage holiday stress? Experts suggest simple things: asking for help, simplifying to-do lists, breathing exercises. Setting boundaries, and saying “no” – easier said than done. Gratitude practices get a mention, as does limiting social media “doom scrolling.” This has become harder than ever.

Perhaps the most crucial advice? Connect with others. Sharing burdens can lighten them.

If anxiety becomes overwhelming, the experts advise seeking professional help. No argument there. Sometimes an objective perspective is exactly what’s needed to navigate tricky family dynamics or long-standing grief.

Ultimately, the “holiday anxiety” story is more nuanced than simply “the economy is bad.” Personal relationships, past experiences, and social pressures also hold significant influence. Recognizing all of these factors is vital for managing mental health during the holiday season.

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