The holiday season. For some, it’s a time of connection, warmth, and celebration. For others, it’s a period of heightened anxiety, financial stress, or deep sadness. At Centre Self Collective, we see you—and we know that these experiences are not just individual struggles. They are deeply influenced by the social factors that shape our day-to-day lives. Let’s dive into how social determinants of health affect our mental well-being during this festive time.
The Realities Beneath the Festive Lights
Social determinants of health aren’t just abstract terms—they’re the conditions that frame every aspect of our lives. These determinants include factors like income, education, social support networks, and cultural norms. During the holidays, the pressures stemming from these factors can be overwhelming. Our reactions to the holiday season aren’t just about us; they’re responses to the world around us and the circumstances that are often beyond our immediate control.
1. The Financial Squeeze
The festive season and money go hand in hand. December tends to come with hefty price tags—gifts, gatherings, food—all piling onto the usual costs of living. If you’re already managing on a tight budget, this pressure can feel insurmountable.
How It Affects Mental Health: Financial strain doesn’t just hurt your wallet; it impacts your mental health. Worries about meeting the expectations to spend can breed anxiety, depression, and feelings of failure. But here’s the truth—this stress is not your personal shortcoming.
A Healthy Approach: Acknowledge that this stress is tied to broader economic conditions. Setting boundaries around spending, focusing on what matters most, or opting for simple exchanges like Secret Santa can alleviate some of this burden. Remember, it’s okay to push back on the pressure to spend.
2. Navigating Family Dynamics
Family gatherings might look like love and laughter on the surface, but they often come with their fair share of tension. Unresolved conflicts, unsolicited advice, pressure about your life choices—it all gets amplified during festive get-togethers.
How It Affects Mental Health: When everyone expects you to conform to what’s considered “normal,” it can leave you feeling judged or even inadequate.
A Healthy Approach: Boundaries. It’s okay to politely sidestep intrusive questions or avoid topics that bring you discomfort. Protecting your mental health is essential, even if that means stepping away from the dinner table for a moment.
3. Isolation and Choosing Distance
While the holidays are meant to bring people together, they can magnify feelings of loneliness, especially for those who’ve decided to distance themselves from family for their own well-being. Sometimes, stepping away from toxic dynamics is the healthiest choice, but it can be tough when the world around you is celebrating togetherness.
How It Affects Mental Health: Social expectations often push the narrative that family is everything, for those who have faced abuse, trauma, or conflict, distancing from family can bring up grief and guilt, especially during the festive season.
A Healthy Approach:
– Acknowledge Your Grief: Distancing yourself may be necessary, but the sadness that comes with it is still real. Recognising this grief is part of your healing journey.
– Lean on Chosen Family: Friends, partners, and supportive community members can form a chosen family. Seek out those who genuinely care about your well-being.
– Practise Self-Compassion: It’s not easy to step away from what’s familiar. Be kind to yourself—prioritising your mental health takes strength.
Tips for Navigating the Holidays
Recognising that many of these holiday stressors are external doesn’t make them magically disappear, but it helps reframe things. Here are a few practical strategies for navigating the festive season with your well-being intact:
– Set Boundaries: Be clear with others about your needs and what you’re comfortable with.
– Create Your Own Traditions: If traditional gatherings bring stress, start your own traditions that bring you comfort.
– Seek Professional Support: If coping is becoming too much, reach out to a therapist for guidance.
– Find Your Community: Connect with friends, join supportive groups, or get involved in community activities that help build a sense of belonging.
Conclusion: Well-Being Over Perfection
At Centre Self Collective, we know how challenging the holidays can be. The pressure to meet expectations can make it difficult to focus on your well-being. Remember, your emotional responses to the season are normal—reflective of the world around you and the challenges that come with it.
If you’re looking for ideas on how to build a self-care plan, check out the resources on our website. Let’s make this holiday season about prioritising well-being over perfection and facing the challenges with compassion—for ourselves and others.