People in New York and across the nation are struggling through the holiday season.
The American Psychiatric Association found more people feel anxious or depressed during the holidays this year than in 2024 or 2023. Some of the reasons cited include being unable to afford gifts or missing someone who is no longer around.
Eric Blazsek, mental health services program manager at the Center for Independence of the Disabled New York, added end-of-year expectations can leave people feeling disappointed.
“We tend to learn things are supposed to be a certain way for us around the holidays, and this puts high expectations onto that period,” Blazsek pointed out. “Anytime there are high expectations or standards, it’s a lot for a situation to live up to.”
He suggested one way to alleviate feelings of depression at the holidays is by managing your expectations. He noted returning to simple phrases like “things don’t have to be perfect” or “good enough is fine” can be reassuring.
People may also feel sadness around the holidays due to navigating challenging family situations or loneliness, according to the report. Surveys show more than half of people feel lonely around the holidays. Blazsek acknowledged addressing mental health challenges – holiday-related or not – can be difficult due to the fear of how others will react.
“Sometimes we feel afraid that once we open up our need to seek help, it may come with a stigma,” Blazsek observed. “There may be a feeling that there’s something wrong with me, and now I’ve acknowledged it.”
To beat feelings of loneliness, Blazsek recommended going to community celebrations or volunteering at local independent living centers. He added the best way to get through holiday mental health challenges is by identifying potential triggers and preparing for them.
Edwin is a reporter and producer in North Tonawanda, New York. He’s previously reported for the Niagara Gazette and the Ithaca Times. Edwin got an early start in radio interning for WBFO-88.7FM, NPR’s Buffalo affiliate. In 2018, he graduated from SUNY Buffalo State College with a B.A. in Journalism, and in 2022, graduated from Syracuse University with an M.S. in Communications.