Caring for Your Mental Health During the Holiday Season

The holiday season brings connection, celebration, and tradition — but it can also amplify stress, grief, financial pressure, and emotional overwhelm. For many individuals living with anxiety, depression, trauma, or co-occurring mental-health challenges, December becomes one of the most difficult months of the year. At Santa Clarita Behavioral Health, we support individuals and families in navigating the holiday season with compassion, evidence-based tools, and practical guidance.

Acknowledge Your Emotional Reality

Not every December feels joyful — and that’s okay. Give yourself permission to experience your feelings without judgment. Whether it’s sadness, exhaustion, loneliness, or holiday-related anxiety, recognizing what you feel is the first step toward coping with it in a healthy way.

Practical tip:
Write down three emotions you’re currently experiencing and one small action that might support each (e.g., rest, journaling, reaching out to someone you trust).

Set Healthy Boundaries With People and Plans

Holiday gatherings can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you’re already emotionally stretched. Setting clear boundaries around social commitments, travel, or family expectations can prevent burnout and protect your well-being. Mayo Clinic offers valuable guidance on managing holiday-related stress, emphasizing that it’s perfectly acceptable to limit commitments and prioritize rest – Choosing what genuinely supports you — rather than what you feel obligated to do — is an act of self-respect during a busy season.

Try this:
Create a “non-negotiable list” of what you will and won’t commit to this month.

Maintain a Steady Routine (As Much as Possible)

Disrupted schedules, late nights, and holiday obligations can destabilize sleep, mood, and emotional balance.

Small routine anchors can help:

• Wake-up time within one hour of normal
• Consistent meals
• A 10–15 minute daily walk
• Scheduled downtime

These simple habits support the nervous system and reduce seasonal stress.

Practice Financial and Emotional Mindfulness Around Gift-Giving

Financial pressure is a common source of holiday stress. Being intentional about spending, setting limits, or simplifying your approach to gift-giving can reduce anxiety and avoid unnecessary strain. Consumer.gov provides straightforward guidance on managing money during high-pressure spending seasons.

Mindful giving reduces pressure and prevents regret or financial strain in January.

Plan Ahead for Triggers

For individuals managing trauma, depression, addiction, or anxiety, certain parts of the holiday season can be challenging. Understanding your personal triggers — whether related to family dynamics, loneliness, overstimulation, or grief — allows you to anticipate difficult moments and create a supportive plan. SAMHSA offers resources for coping with seasonal emotional stressors and crisis moments.
Those living with PTSD may also find helpful guidance through the National Center for PTSD:
Having a personal plan — such as stepping outside for fresh air, scheduling grounding moments, or connecting with a trusted support person — can make stressful situations feel more manageable.

Know When to Ask for Support

If you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed, isolated, or unsafe, reaching out is a sign of strength — not weakness. Santa Clarita Behavioral Health offers:

• PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program)
• IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program)
• Hybrid and telehealth options
• Specialized treatment for depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and more

Seeking support before stress escalates can make the entire month more manageable and meaningful.

Create Your Own Meaningful December Traditions

If traditional holiday expectations feel overwhelming, consider building your own meaningful rituals. These might be quiet, reflective moments, walks to enjoy seasonal lights, journaling sessions, or simple acts of self-care. Research from the UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center shows that small, intentional practices can significantly increase emotional well-being. Allow yourself to create a December that feels supportive, comforting, and true to your needs.

Conclusion

December can be both beautiful and challenging. With the right support, boundaries, and coping strategies, it’s possible to move through the season with more ease, clarity, and emotional balance. If you or someone you love is struggling this month, Santa Clarita Behavioral Health is here to help. If the holiday season feels overwhelming, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Reach out today for a confidential consultation.