You’re Not Alone This Holiday Season

While the holidays are often portrayed as a season filled with joy, connection, and celebration, the reality can look very different for many individuals and families. Beneath the bright lights, busy schedules, and expectations to feel cheerful, a significant number of people face emotional challenges that intensify this time of year. Stress, grief, loneliness, financial strain, and seasonal changes can all contribute to what is commonly known as holiday depression—and it affects far more people than we often acknowledge.

According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Stress in America survey, 41% of U.S. adults report their stress increases during the holiday season compared to other times of the year. Much of this stress is tied to increased responsibilities, financial pressure, and the expectation to participate in social gatherings even when individuals feel emotionally drained. Nearly half of adults report missing loved ones or experiencing grief, a reminder that the holidays can amplify feelings of loss. A 2025 AARP study found that 40% of adults aged 45 and older report feeling lonely, and these feelings often intensify this time of year. Grief, distance from loved ones, and unmet expectations can make the season feel even heavier.

For those living with mental health conditions, the season can be especially difficult. A survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that 64% of people with mental health conditions reported their symptoms worsened around the holidays—a finding reaffirmed by SAMHSA in 2023. For many, the pressure to appear “happy” makes it even harder to share how they are truly feeling.

Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Chad McDonald, emphasizes the importance of awareness, compassion, and support during this time. “Behind the holiday lights and pressures to be 'joyous', many are struggling in silence—when more than 60% of those with mental health conditions have worse symptoms," he states. "It’s important to remind each other that help is not just available—it’s essential.”

At InterCommunity, we want our community to know that they do not have to face these challenges alone. We encourage everyone to take small steps to protect their well-being—whether that means setting boundaries, making time for rest, honoring grief, or reaching out to trusted friends and family. And for those who need additional support, our behavioral health services are here to help, offering counseling, crisis intervention, and a safe space to talk.

This year, let’s give ourselves—and others—permission to slow down, set boundaries, and reach out for support. Emotional health is health, and taking care of it is one of the most meaningful gifts we can offer.

If you or someone you know needs support, please call InterCommunity at (860) 569-5900 or visit www.intercommunityct.org. For urgent needs, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.