Why the Holiday Hangover Feels Worse This Year

January 23, 2026

A recent American Psychiatric Association poll reveals that 41% of American adults expect increased holiday stress in 2025 compared to the previous year, with economic anxieties being the primary driver. Financial pressures have forced 69% of Americans to rely on credit cards and buy-now-pay-later programs for holiday purchases, while 36% are still paying off previous holiday debts from November 2025. Rising healthcare costs, insurance coverage denials, and the emotional challenges of family gatherings compound the stress, with many Americans struggling to afford both gifts and necessary medical care.

Who is affected

41% of American adults experiencing anticipated holiday stress
18-34 year olds (nearly 50% expecting more stress)
5% of Americans suffering from seasonal affective disorder
69% of Americans who used credit cards and buy-now-pay-later programs for holiday spending
36% of Americans still paying off holiday bills from November 2025
Nearly half of U.S. adults struggling to afford healthcare costs
75% of uninsured adults under 65 going without healthcare
Hispanic and Black adults (disproportionately delaying or going without healthcare)
Patients facing insurance denials for medications like Entresto and GLP-1s
People experiencing loneliness and grief during the holidays

What action is being taken

Consumers are cutting back on gifts
Americans are using credit cards and buy-now-pay-later programs to finance holiday spending
Insurance companies are denying coverage or approval for expensive pharmaceuticals
People are putting off necessary healthcare due to expense
Individuals are struggling to recover from holiday festivities

Why it matters

This matters because the convergence of economic pressures, healthcare affordability issues, and traditional holiday stress is creating a mental health crisis that extends beyond the holiday season itself. With three-quarters of Americans citing the economy as their primary anxiety source and rising costs for both consumer goods and healthcare, people face difficult choices between financial stability and celebrating traditions or maintaining their health. The psychological impacts—including guilt over gift-giving, seasonal affective disorder, and family-related tensions—compound the financial stress, creating a cycle that affects overall well-being and can lead to long-term consequences like increased debt and delayed medical care. This is particularly significant for younger adults and minority communities who are disproportionately affected.

What's next

The article provides recommendations rather than explicit institutional next steps:
Give yourself grace and accept imperfection
Focus on spending time with loved ones rather than material gifts
Consider giving minimalist gifts to reduce clutter
Set spending limits with family and work friends
Plan budget-friendly experiences instead of expensive gifts
Maintain healthier eating habits during the season
Practice mindfulness and nurture personal connections
No explicit next steps stated in the article regarding policy changes, institutional actions, or formal programs to address these issues.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint