Mental health during the holiday season: A call for reflection
Mental health during the holiday season: A call for reflection
Dec 26, 2024
A time of joy… or stress?
The holiday season is often associated with joy, family gatherings, and celebrations. However, for many, it also brings stress, loneliness, and sadness, all of which can significantly affect mental health.
Data supports this reality. In Mexico, the National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions (Conasama) reports that 19.3% of adults experience severe anxiety symptoms, while more than 30% experience mild symptoms. Suicide rates also rise during this period: an international study covering 740 locations in 26 countries over nearly 50 years found that Mondays and New Year’s Day present the highest suicide risk, with Mondays showing a 15–18% higher rate compared to other days.
In Colombia, the situation is similar. The Ministry of Health estimates that 20% of Colombians suffer from a mental disorder, with depression and anxiety being the most common. Additionally, a national survey revealed that 66.3% of Colombians have faced mental health issues at some point, with women reporting higher prevalence (69.9%).
Key triggers during the holidays:
Loneliness and isolation: Those who have lost loved ones or lack support networks often feel more vulnerable.
Unrealistic expectations: The social pressure to appear constantly happy can lead to frustration and emotional exhaustion.
Financial stress: Holiday expenses such as gifts, trips, and gatherings can generate significant economic strain.
A call to action
Breaking stigma and normalizing professional help is essential, especially during emotionally sensitive times. In Colombia, free hotlines like Línea 123 (Bogotá) and Línea 106 (Medellín) offer psychological support. Digital tools such as BeFree also provide timely detection and intervention for mental health concerns.
The holidays serve as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, particularly in periods that can be emotionally demanding. Caring for our emotional well-being should be a collective priority.
The holiday season, while often seen as joyful, can intensify stress, loneliness, and sadness, contributing to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Studies show that symptoms of mental illness and suicide risks increase during holidays and Mondays, with New Year’s Day being particularly critical. In Colombia and Mexico, large portions of the population report mental health struggles, especially women. Triggers include isolation, unrealistic social expectations, and financial pressures. To address this, breaking stigma and expanding access to support is key. Free psychological helplines and digital solutions like BeFree are valuable tools. Ultimately, the holidays highlight the urgent need to treat mental health as a priority equal to physical health.
A time of joy… or stress?
The holiday season is often associated with joy, family gatherings, and celebrations. However, for many, it also brings stress, loneliness, and sadness, all of which can significantly affect mental health.
Data supports this reality. In Mexico, the National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions (Conasama) reports that 19.3% of adults experience severe anxiety symptoms, while more than 30% experience mild symptoms. Suicide rates also rise during this period: an international study covering 740 locations in 26 countries over nearly 50 years found that Mondays and New Year’s Day present the highest suicide risk, with Mondays showing a 15–18% higher rate compared to other days.
In Colombia, the situation is similar. The Ministry of Health estimates that 20% of Colombians suffer from a mental disorder, with depression and anxiety being the most common. Additionally, a national survey revealed that 66.3% of Colombians have faced mental health issues at some point, with women reporting higher prevalence (69.9%).
Key triggers during the holidays:
Loneliness and isolation: Those who have lost loved ones or lack support networks often feel more vulnerable.
Unrealistic expectations: The social pressure to appear constantly happy can lead to frustration and emotional exhaustion.
Financial stress: Holiday expenses such as gifts, trips, and gatherings can generate significant economic strain.
A call to action
Breaking stigma and normalizing professional help is essential, especially during emotionally sensitive times. In Colombia, free hotlines like Línea 123 (Bogotá) and Línea 106 (Medellín) offer psychological support. Digital tools such as BeFree also provide timely detection and intervention for mental health concerns.
The holidays serve as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, particularly in periods that can be emotionally demanding. Caring for our emotional well-being should be a collective priority.
The holiday season, while often seen as joyful, can intensify stress, loneliness, and sadness, contributing to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Studies show that symptoms of mental illness and suicide risks increase during holidays and Mondays, with New Year’s Day being particularly critical. In Colombia and Mexico, large portions of the population report mental health struggles, especially women. Triggers include isolation, unrealistic social expectations, and financial pressures. To address this, breaking stigma and expanding access to support is key. Free psychological helplines and digital solutions like BeFree are valuable tools. Ultimately, the holidays highlight the urgent need to treat mental health as a priority equal to physical health.
A time of joy… or stress?
The holiday season is often associated with joy, family gatherings, and celebrations. However, for many, it also brings stress, loneliness, and sadness, all of which can significantly affect mental health.
Data supports this reality. In Mexico, the National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions (Conasama) reports that 19.3% of adults experience severe anxiety symptoms, while more than 30% experience mild symptoms. Suicide rates also rise during this period: an international study covering 740 locations in 26 countries over nearly 50 years found that Mondays and New Year’s Day present the highest suicide risk, with Mondays showing a 15–18% higher rate compared to other days.
In Colombia, the situation is similar. The Ministry of Health estimates that 20% of Colombians suffer from a mental disorder, with depression and anxiety being the most common. Additionally, a national survey revealed that 66.3% of Colombians have faced mental health issues at some point, with women reporting higher prevalence (69.9%).
Key triggers during the holidays:
Loneliness and isolation: Those who have lost loved ones or lack support networks often feel more vulnerable.
Unrealistic expectations: The social pressure to appear constantly happy can lead to frustration and emotional exhaustion.
Financial stress: Holiday expenses such as gifts, trips, and gatherings can generate significant economic strain.
A call to action
Breaking stigma and normalizing professional help is essential, especially during emotionally sensitive times. In Colombia, free hotlines like Línea 123 (Bogotá) and Línea 106 (Medellín) offer psychological support. Digital tools such as BeFree also provide timely detection and intervention for mental health concerns.
The holidays serve as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, particularly in periods that can be emotionally demanding. Caring for our emotional well-being should be a collective priority.
The holiday season, while often seen as joyful, can intensify stress, loneliness, and sadness, contributing to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Studies show that symptoms of mental illness and suicide risks increase during holidays and Mondays, with New Year’s Day being particularly critical. In Colombia and Mexico, large portions of the population report mental health struggles, especially women. Triggers include isolation, unrealistic social expectations, and financial pressures. To address this, breaking stigma and expanding access to support is key. Free psychological helplines and digital solutions like BeFree are valuable tools. Ultimately, the holidays highlight the urgent need to treat mental health as a priority equal to physical health.
A time of joy… or stress?
The holiday season is often associated with joy, family gatherings, and celebrations. However, for many, it also brings stress, loneliness, and sadness, all of which can significantly affect mental health.
Data supports this reality. In Mexico, the National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions (Conasama) reports that 19.3% of adults experience severe anxiety symptoms, while more than 30% experience mild symptoms. Suicide rates also rise during this period: an international study covering 740 locations in 26 countries over nearly 50 years found that Mondays and New Year’s Day present the highest suicide risk, with Mondays showing a 15–18% higher rate compared to other days.
In Colombia, the situation is similar. The Ministry of Health estimates that 20% of Colombians suffer from a mental disorder, with depression and anxiety being the most common. Additionally, a national survey revealed that 66.3% of Colombians have faced mental health issues at some point, with women reporting higher prevalence (69.9%).
Key triggers during the holidays:
Loneliness and isolation: Those who have lost loved ones or lack support networks often feel more vulnerable.
Unrealistic expectations: The social pressure to appear constantly happy can lead to frustration and emotional exhaustion.
Financial stress: Holiday expenses such as gifts, trips, and gatherings can generate significant economic strain.
A call to action
Breaking stigma and normalizing professional help is essential, especially during emotionally sensitive times. In Colombia, free hotlines like Línea 123 (Bogotá) and Línea 106 (Medellín) offer psychological support. Digital tools such as BeFree also provide timely detection and intervention for mental health concerns.
The holidays serve as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, particularly in periods that can be emotionally demanding. Caring for our emotional well-being should be a collective priority.
The holiday season, while often seen as joyful, can intensify stress, loneliness, and sadness, contributing to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Studies show that symptoms of mental illness and suicide risks increase during holidays and Mondays, with New Year’s Day being particularly critical. In Colombia and Mexico, large portions of the population report mental health struggles, especially women. Triggers include isolation, unrealistic social expectations, and financial pressures. To address this, breaking stigma and expanding access to support is key. Free psychological helplines and digital solutions like BeFree are valuable tools. Ultimately, the holidays highlight the urgent need to treat mental health as a priority equal to physical health.