Holiday Season Stress Affects 89% of US Adults, Study Finds

The holiday season is casting a shadow over the mental well-being of Americans, according to recent studies that highlight a widespread increase in stress and anxiety during what’s traditionally portrayed as the most wonderful time of the year.

A comprehensive survey by the American Psychological Association has found that an overwhelming majority of Americans—89%—experience heightened stress during the holiday period. More concerning is that 41% of respondents report significantly higher stress levels compared to other times of the year.

Financial pressures emerge as the primary stressor, with economic anxiety disproportionately affecting lower-income households. Americans earning less than $50,000 annually reported markedly higher levels of distress compared to those with incomes exceeding $100,000, underscoring how economic disparities can translate into psychological burdens during a season often characterized by gift-giving and celebration.

The holiday strain comes amid broader concerns about mental health across the nation. A separate Johns Hopkins study surveying 1,900 American adults revealed significant age-based differences in mental health crisis experiences. Young adults between 18 and 29 years old reported experiencing mental health crises at a rate of 15.1%—nearly six times higher than the 2.6% rate among adults over 60.

For the purposes of their research, Johns Hopkins defined mental health crises as overwhelming thoughts, feelings, or behaviors requiring immediate assistance. This stark generational divide suggests younger Americans are particularly vulnerable to severe psychological distress.

Compounding these challenges is the seasonal shift toward shorter, darker days as winter approaches. Harvard Health has identified this phenomenon as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a specific form of depression that typically emerges in late fall and winter before subsiding in spring.

SAD manifests through several characteristic symptoms, including persistent low mood, feelings of hopelessness, sleep disruptions, changes in appetite, and general sluggishness. Additionally, many sufferers experience intense carbohydrate cravings, severely depleted energy levels, and an increasing tendency toward social withdrawal.

“Lack of light can throw off your circadian rhythm,” according to Harvard Health experts. “This can cause your brain to produce too much of the sleep hormone melatonin and to release less serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical that affects mood.”

Geographic location plays a significant role in determining risk factors for SAD, with residents of northern states experiencing higher rates due to reduced sunlight exposure during winter months. A family history of depression also increases susceptibility to this seasonal mood disorder.

However, Harvard researchers offer a ray of hope, suggesting that artificial light therapy can effectively mimic natural sunlight and potentially prevent symptoms if implemented early in the winter season. Light therapy has become an increasingly common treatment approach, often utilizing special lamps that simulate natural daylight without harmful UV rays.

This convergence of holiday stress, generational mental health disparities, and seasonal mood changes presents a complex challenge for healthcare providers and policymakers. Mental health advocacy groups are increasingly calling for expanded access to support services during the winter months, when multiple factors can simultaneously impact psychological well-being.

Experts recommend that individuals experiencing seasonal mood changes or holiday-related stress should consider consulting healthcare providers about treatment options, which might include light therapy, counseling, lifestyle modifications, or in some cases, medication.

As the nation moves deeper into the holiday season, these findings highlight the importance of recognizing that for many Americans, this period brings significant challenges alongside its celebrations—a reality that stands in stark contrast to idealized portrayals of universal holiday joy.