Mental health during the holiday season: A call for reflection
Dec 26, 2024
A Time of Joy… or Stress?
The December holidays are often associated with moments of happiness, family gatherings, and celebrations. However, for many people, this season can bring a deep sense of stress, loneliness, and sadness factors that significantly affect mental health.
For this reason, increases in psychological consultations are evident. For example, in Mexico, the National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions (Conasama) indicates that 19.3% of the adult population experiences severe symptoms of anxiety, and more than 30% present mild symptoms. Suicide rates are also on the rise: an international study reveals that the risk of suicide is higher on Mondays and on New Year’s Day. This analysis, which covered data from 740 locations in 26 countries over nearly 50 years, found that Mondays have 15–18% more suicides than other days, with significant variations during weekends and holidays.
In addition, the perception of mental health emerges as a key concern when addressing related issues. Data from Colombia’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection show that about 20% of Colombians suffer from some mental disorder, with depression and anxiety being the most common. A survey by the same ministry revealed that 66.3% of Colombians report having faced a mental health problem at some point in their lives a percentage significantly higher among women (69.9%).
Common Triggers:
Loneliness and isolation: People who have lost loved ones or lack a support network often feel more vulnerable during the holidays.
Unrealistic expectations: The pressure to display constant happiness can generate frustration and emotional exhaustion.
Economic crises: Expenses related to gifts, gatherings, and travel generate financial stress.
A Call to Action
It is vital to break the stigma and normalize seeking professional help, especially during times of heightened emotional sensitivity. In Colombia, there are free support hotlines such as Line 123 in Bogotá and Line 106 in Medellín, which provide psychological assistance.
Tools like BeFree can also be a solution to detect mental health issues and offer timely support.
The holiday season is a reminder of the importance of emotional care. We must not forget that mental health is just as important as physical health—especially during times that can be emotionally challenging.
Mental health during the holiday season: A call for reflection
Dec 26, 2024
A Time of Joy… or Stress?
The December holidays are often associated with moments of happiness, family gatherings, and celebrations. However, for many people, this season can bring a deep sense of stress, loneliness, and sadness factors that significantly affect mental health.
For this reason, increases in psychological consultations are evident. For example, in Mexico, the National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions (Conasama) indicates that 19.3% of the adult population experiences severe symptoms of anxiety, and more than 30% present mild symptoms. Suicide rates are also on the rise: an international study reveals that the risk of suicide is higher on Mondays and on New Year’s Day. This analysis, which covered data from 740 locations in 26 countries over nearly 50 years, found that Mondays have 15–18% more suicides than other days, with significant variations during weekends and holidays.
In addition, the perception of mental health emerges as a key concern when addressing related issues. Data from Colombia’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection show that about 20% of Colombians suffer from some mental disorder, with depression and anxiety being the most common. A survey by the same ministry revealed that 66.3% of Colombians report having faced a mental health problem at some point in their lives a percentage significantly higher among women (69.9%).
Common Triggers:
Loneliness and isolation: People who have lost loved ones or lack a support network often feel more vulnerable during the holidays.
Unrealistic expectations: The pressure to display constant happiness can generate frustration and emotional exhaustion.
Economic crises: Expenses related to gifts, gatherings, and travel generate financial stress.
A Call to Action
It is vital to break the stigma and normalize seeking professional help, especially during times of heightened emotional sensitivity. In Colombia, there are free support hotlines such as Line 123 in Bogotá and Line 106 in Medellín, which provide psychological assistance.
Tools like BeFree can also be a solution to detect mental health issues and offer timely support.
The holiday season is a reminder of the importance of emotional care. We must not forget that mental health is just as important as physical health—especially during times that can be emotionally challenging.