The holiday season is often advertised as the “season of joy and peace,” but for those with mental health challenges, it can be the exact opposite. Feelings of anxiety and depression can eclipse a time of merriment, especially if a person has had a difficult year with significant life changes such as the loss of a loved one, a divorce, relocating to a new city, family dysfunction, or other challenges. Alongside personal struggles, the holiday season comes with its own pressures, such as buying gifts, sending out greeting cards (or e-greeting cards), or fulfilling social obligations of attending or hosting gatherings with family, friends, and colleagues. The cold air and gloomy winter days can also affect a person’s mood, giving rise to seasonal depression in some people.
