"Halloween decorations seem to go up earlier every year, don't they? Practically as soon as the summer ends and the kids go back to school, grocery stores begin to stock candy and set out plastic skeletons. But for many Americans, these displays aren't welcome, because they announce the coming of the holiday season. They know that once Halloween has passed, Thanksgiving will take over for a few weeks and then lead directly into the rush of end-of-year holidays like Christmas."
"A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association reported that 89 percent of U.S. adults feel more stressed during the holiday season, and a 2020 survey from the National Council for Mental Wellness reported that 70 percent of Americans feel some degree of loneliness as the holidays approach. Over and above that, more than 10 percent of us-the survey said-will feel lonely in a major way."
Early holiday cues and a cascade of celebrations often create pressure rather than joy for many people. Surveys report large increases in stress and loneliness during the season, with about 89% feeling more stressed, 70% feeling some loneliness, and over 10% reporting severe loneliness. Holiday-based loneliness stems from factors including expectation pressure, holidays acting as anniversaries that revive grief after losses or breakups, shorter days and colder weather that make coping harder, and social dynamics that highlight emotional distance. Effective responses include adjusting expectations, practicing self-care, and seeking genuine connection.
Read at Psychology Today
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