Caring for Yourself and Others This Holiday Season

The holiday season, while traditionally joyful, can trigger significant mental health challenges including stress, grief, loneliness, and financial anxiety for many individuals. San Diego County's Communications Office highlights common emotional difficulties people face during this period, such as pressure to appear cheerful, family conflicts, isolation among older adults, and work-life balance struggles. The county emphasizes that experiencing negative emotions during holidays is normal and acceptable, encouraging people to establish boundaries and seek support rather than coping through substance use.