As the festive glow of Thanksgiving ushers in the holiday season across Utah and rural Colorado, a more sobering reality quietly unfolds behind closed doors and in the hearts of many. While the holidays are widely celebrated as a time of connection and joy, experts and survivors warn that this period also brings a marked increase in domestic violence and mental health challenges, particularly in communities already facing unique social and geographic pressures.
In Salt Lake City, police brace themselves each year for a surge in domestic violence cases as families gather and seasonal stressors mount. Sergeant Elizabeth Johnson, who serves in the Domestic Violence Detective Division, handles an average of 500 cases each month—and she’s seen firsthand how the holidays can tip already tense situations over the edge. "I do think that the cases spike up more just after the holiday. I think some people just kind of keep it together, especially if they have children; everyone tries to get along more," Johnson told KUTV. But come January, the dam often breaks. Investigators routinely see a significant uptick in reports during the first week of the new year, a pattern that’s become all too familiar.
The reasons aren’t hard to find. Financial strains, heightened expectations, and substance abuse all tend to escalate as the year winds down. For those already managing mental health challenges, the season’s pressures can feel like a magnifying glass, intensifying symptoms of depression, anxiety, or seasonal affective disorder. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the “holiday blues” rarely create new mental health conditions, but they do worsen existing ones. Loneliness, exhaustion, and feeling overwhelmed become common themes, affecting people from all walks of life.
In rural areas like Moffat County, Colorado, these challenges are compounded by long distances, harsh winter weather, and limited social outlets. As Craig Press reports, the isolation of rural living can make it even harder to access support or simply stay connected. Historical data shows that while suicides don’t typically spike during the holidays themselves, many communities—including Moffat County—see higher suicide rates from fall through spring, driven by shorter days and extended isolation.
Domestic violence, too, often hides in plain sight during the holidays. Survivors like Joni Meikel and Lyndsey Hackford recall the difficult balance between family awareness and personal denial. Meikel, reflecting on her own experience, said, "But with my parents was like, 'We love you, we see how great you are, you know you deserve more, right? We just wished you loved yourself.'" For Hackford, the path out of an abusive marriage was anything but straightforward. "My parents knew he had gotten physical, and he was abusive. And so clearly, they were concerned. But they had no way to get a hold of me. And, if they did, I shut it down," she shared with KUTV. The emotional grip of abuse, combined with the desire to maintain holiday harmony, often keeps victims silent or in denial until the season passes.
Yet, not all victims recognize the warning signs. Ashlee Taylor, Executive Director of The Refuge Utah, emphasizes that domestic violence is not limited to physical harm. "They think because there wasn’t physical abuse or, you know, somebody hasn’t been hit yet, that it’s not domestic violence. And not realizing the layers of isolation and financial abuse and emotional abuse that have happened before that," Taylor explained. She urges friends and family to watch for subtle changes—like a loved one suddenly skipping gatherings or saying, "I’m not allowed to spend money on this" or "I’m not allowed to call these certain people." These shifts may signal deeper patterns of control and abuse.
Approaching the topic with a potential victim requires delicacy. "They’re in that relationship with someone that they love. And from the outside, it may be something that you just want to say, 'They’re not treating you ok, that’s not a way that you should be treated,'" Taylor said. Sergeant Johnson echoes the importance of patience and non-judgment. Keeping communication open, making victims feel safe to share, and resisting the urge to pressure or judge can make all the difference. Hackford’s advice is simple but powerful: "Be there for them. Be that support person and just be there when they ask for help. Because you don’t know when that time is going to be. Maybe it’s the time they leave, maybe it’s not. But the time that you shut that person out, they probably won’t come back to you."
Of course, domestic violence and mental health struggles are deeply intertwined. The holiday season’s emotional undercurrents—grief, family tension, financial anxiety—can worsen both. The Craig Press highlights several supportive strategies for navigating this landscape: talk openly about your feelings, limit alcohol and recreational substances, maintain healthy habits like sleep and exercise, take breaks from stressful situations, set realistic expectations, and practice generosity. Even small acts of kindness or outreach can boost emotional well-being and foster a sense of connection.
Staying connected is especially critical in rural communities, where winter’s darkness and isolation can be relentless. Regular phone calls, shared meals, or attending community events can help bridge the gap. As the Craig Press notes, "Talking openly about mental health, recognizing when someone is struggling and helping connect people to appropriate resources can save lives." Local mental health resources abound, including the Colorado Mental Health Line (call or text 988), Memorial Regional Health Behavioral Health Team, Porchlight, Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide, Solving SUD Together, and CredibleMind. In Utah, organizations like The Refuge Utah and police departments offer support and crisis intervention for those facing domestic violence.
Ultimately, every person’s holiday experience is shaped by their own history and circumstances. Some find joy and comfort in tradition; others struggle quietly with pain or loneliness. What’s clear, though, is that community awareness and compassion can make a tangible difference. By checking in with loved ones, recognizing warning signs, and offering patient support, friends and family can help those in crisis feel less alone—and, in some cases, take the first steps toward safety and healing.
As the lights go up and the celebrations begin, perhaps the greatest gift we can offer is our presence, our listening ear, and our willingness to reach out—no matter how busy or bright the season may seem on the surface.
