Holiday Mental Health Resources

The holiday season is in full force. Some people wait all year for the festivities, gift giving and time with friends and family. But for many others, the holidays come with heightened feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety.

Watching friends and family embrace the holidays, while you feel unable to, can result in even greater feelings of isolation.

While loved ones might try to cheer you up, sometimes it is best to talk to people who you don’t know and are positioned to help you, such as a mental health professional.

Seeking medical help for mental health and mental illness can be difficult, inconvenient and financially burdensome, especially around the holidays, when most people tend to feel an obligation to see family and splurge on gifts, even if they may not have the budget for it.

But a lack of time and money doesn’t mean mental health and mental illness should be ignored during the holidays.

Even the most severe cases of depression and other kinds of mental illness can be reduced through internet-based therapy.

In addition, Mental Health America has curated a list of free resources to help anyone who needs extra support this season:

Warmlines

Warmlines is a list of the phone numbers of supportive people who are likely to have shared experiences with you. They are available to talk and be there for you, no matter what it is you are feeling. The staff members are in recovery themselves, so you can talk through troubles together.

Mental Health America (MHA) on Inspire

This is a community of people with similar interests who are able to support and encourage each other online, at all times.

Reachout

Reachout is an app that connects people to keep them motivated and on track to recovery. The app also provides a platform for people who are struggling with the recovery of a loved one. People can exchange coping strategies, offer support and receive recommendations on cutting-edge research.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) Online Peer-to-Peer Anxiety and Depression Support Group

This support group is a safe and friendly place for people to discuss feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness and others. Members can connect to people with similar feelings, describe their journey, and answer/ask questions.

Koko App

Koko is a mental health and safety service that is featured in Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Kik. It is an anonymous place to be open, get help and help others. Its community is giant, and includes people from over 155 different countries.

Crisis Text Line: text ‘MHA’ to 741-741

Thanks to this crisis lifeline, emotional support is just a text away for those experiencing distress or crises. The texts are confidential, and you will receive a response 24/7.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24/7, free service for people going through emotional distress or crisis. Call 1-800-273-8255 to talk to a trained listener through this crisis lifeline. For service in Spanish, call 1-888-628-9454.

These universal, free mental health services listed by Mental Health America can be used by anyone. But there are many other local resources out there, on university campuses and in local communities. If you need mental health support, don’t hesitate. It is extremely important to look out for yourself. Put your own mental health first!

The Importance of Students Practicing Self-Care, Especially During the Holidays

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, relaxation, and connection with loved ones. However, for many students, it can be a period of heightened stress, academic pressure, and emotional strain. The contrast between the idealized image of the holidays and the reality students face—whether from looming deadlines, financial burdens, or social pressures—can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even feelings of isolation. Therefore, it is crucial for students to prioritize self-care, especially during the holidays, in order to maintain mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

1. The Academic Pressure and Burnout Risk

The end of the semester often coincides with the holiday season, creating a perfect storm of stress for students. Finals, papers, and projects may be due in the weeks leading up to holiday breaks, which can lead to overwork, sleeplessness, and a lack of proper nutrition. Without regular self-care practices, the mental toll of balancing academic responsibilities with the festive season can become overwhelming. Students who neglect their emotional and physical health in the face of academic pressure risk burnout—a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.

Self-care strategies such as time management, prioritizing tasks, and creating study breaks can help students avoid overworking themselves. Simple practices like getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising can boost cognitive function and mood, improving academic performance while preventing burnout.

2. Emotional Well-Being and Mental Health

The holiday season can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially for students who may experience loneliness, homesickness, or family tension. For students studying away from home or those dealing with personal issues, the holidays can amplify feelings of isolation or sadness. Additionally, the pressure to engage in festive activities or meet expectations around gift-giving and socializing can exacerbate anxiety or feelings of inadequacy.

Self-care is essential during this time to maintain emotional well-being. Mindfulness practices, journaling, meditation, and engaging in hobbies can help students process emotions and create space for self-compassion. Setting boundaries—such as limiting the number of social events or taking time away from family obligations—can also alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed. Mental health resources, such as counseling and other mental health services to support with mental illness, are especially valuable during this time and can provide students with professional support to manage any challenges.

3. The Impact of Social Media and Unrealistic Expectations

During the holidays, students are often bombarded by curated images on social media of perfect family gatherings, lavish gifts, and idyllic vacations. These portrayals can lead to unhealthy comparisons, causing students to feel inadequate or left out if their own holiday experiences don’t measure up. This pressure can also exacerbate issues like body image concerns or financial stress.

Self-care in this context involves detaching from the pressure of social comparison. Students can practice digital detoxes, limit social media usage, or focus on real, meaningful connections with family and friends. Additionally, practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive aspects of their lives—whether it’s time spent with loved ones, a break from classes, or simply having time to relax—can help reframe the narrative and reduce feelings of inadequacy.

4. The Physical Effects of Holiday Stress

Students who neglect their physical health during the holiday season risk physical exhaustion, which can, in turn, affect their mental and emotional health. Overeating, poor sleep hygiene, and lack of physical activity are common during this time, as students often face irregular schedules or indulge in holiday treats. Such patterns can weaken the immune system, disrupt sleep cycles, and contribute to physical ailments like headaches or gastrointestinal issues.

Physical self-care practices—like maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and sticking to a consistent sleep routine—can help students maintain energy levels and reduce stress. Even short walks, yoga, or light stretching can counteract the effects of sitting for long study sessions or the sedentary nature of holiday breaks.

5. Recharging and Preparing for the New Year

Self-care during the holidays isn’t just about coping with stress; it’s also an opportunity for students to recharge and prepare for the upcoming year. The break offers a much-needed pause from the demands of academia, making it an ideal time for students to reflect on their goals, relax, and rejuvenate their spirits.

By practicing self-care, students can approach the new semester with renewed energy, a clearer sense of purpose, and an improved ability to manage stress. Recharging through adequate rest, spending quality time with loved ones, or engaging in hobbies and activities outside of school can create a stronger sense of balance and fulfillment.

Conclusion

The holiday season offers both challenges and opportunities for students, and practicing self-care is essential for navigating this time effectively. The pressures of academic deadlines, emotional well-being, social expectations, and physical health can all take a toll if not carefully managed. By integrating simple self-care practices into their daily routine, students can reduce stress, maintain their mental and physical health, and approach the holidays as a time for rest, connection, and renewal.

Ultimately, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for students, especially during the high-stress periods of their academic lives. By prioritizing their well-being and looking into local resources such as a mental health professional to take care of their mental health, students can experience the holidays with greater peace of mind and better prepare themselves for the challenges of the coming semester.