The holiday season often conjures images of joy, family gatherings, and cherished traditions, but for many, it can simultaneously be just as much about stress, conflict, and emotional pain. With holidays like Thanksgiving fast approaching, families are bracing themselves for what some anticipate to be tense gatherings, especially as political divides and personal losses come to the forefront. This duality is echoed by various mental health experts who are stepping forward to advise on ways to navigate these emotionally charged times.
Dr. Argie Allen Wilson, co-founder of the nonprofit Mental Health First Connections and founder of Faith Connects therapy practice, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health and setting boundaries to maintain peace during family get-togethers. "It’s about honoring your emotions and processing them so you don’t act them out on someone else," she advises. This can become especially important when political discussions arise, as the holiday season approaches alongside heightened political tensions from the recent 2024 presidential election.
Families across the nation are facing the reality of losing loved ones, which adds another layer of complexity during the holidays. Karen Pinkney from Philadelphia, who lost her sister and has been grieving other family members, shared her struggles: "The holidays are a reminder of their absence, and I can feel waves of sadness even amid the joy they’re supposed to bring." Many find themselves confronting grief at the same time they are expected to feel celebratory, making it more important than ever to create space for emotional honesty at family gatherings.
Recent research highlights growing concerns about mental health struggles, particularly among demographics such as Black Americans, where suicide rates among youths and adults have seen significant increases. Statistics from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center indicate alarming trends, including the fact suicide now stands as the third leading cause of death for Black youth aged 10 to 24. Mental health professionals urge families to have open conversations about these challenges, particularly as holiday gatherings can amplify feelings of stress, anxiety, and even isolation.
"One of the simplest ways to manage holiday stress is to communicate clear expectations," suggests Gabrielle Blickley, Licensed Clinical Social Worker from HCA HealthONE. She believes naming expectations can help ease the mental burden associated with them. This means addressing anticipated gatherings' pressures directly—whether it's acknowledging the impact of lost loved ones or setting ground rules about political conversations around the dinner table.
For those who anticipate tense discussions arising from differences of opinion about political issues, Duffey suggests avoiding potential flashpoints at holiday meals. "It’s important to have conversations about what we’re going to talk about and what we’re not going to talk about—it can save relationships," she mentions. For those inclined to engage, encouraging empathy and attempting to understand differing perspectives may lead to more productive dialogues, according to her findings.
"We've found those who focus on applicability of coping strategies—like practicing self-care and limiting interaction with toxic individuals—have fared significantly kinder to themselves during the holidays," shared Duffey.
But as some find solace through intentional practices, others still feel overwhelmed. The looming expectations surrounding the holiday season can become burdensome, particularly for those straddling the line of grief. For families grappling with loss, creating new traditions or remembering lost loved ones can help alleviate some emotional weight. Whether it’s setting aside an empty chair at the table or preparing their favorite dish to honor their memory, it can play a significant role in processing heartache during this festive time.
Dr. Wilson strongly emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help: "If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out for support is absolutely not just okay, it’s necessary." She highlights the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline as one such resource available to those in distress—offering confidential help around the clock. Mental health awareness can be enhanced when families openly discuss their concerns and limitations, collectively transforming the holiday narrative from one of silence to one of shared support.
Finally, as the holiday gatherings begin to emerge, it’s pivotal to engage with these dynamics thoughtfully. Acknowledging the emotional weariness many carry can lead to meaningful conversations about grief, stress, and the hurdles of the season, allowing families not only to celebrate life's joys but also to support each other through its sorrows.
