Mind Your Mental Health This Holiday Season: Insights from Corewell Health

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Samreen Shah, M.D., Corewell Health’s division chief of Behavioral Health in Southeast Michigan (Photo: Corewell Health)

The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but for many, it can also bring stress, anxiety and emotional challenges. Balancing the demands of social gatherings, gift lists and family expectations can take a toll on mental health. Here are practical tips and strategies from Corewell Health to help you maintain your mental health this holiday season.

First, it’s important to understand that holiday stress is real, and here are some reasons why:

• Financial Pressure: The expectation to buy gifts and host events can strain finances, leading to anxiety and worry.
• Social Obligations: Attending numerous gatherings and events can be overwhelming, especially for those who prefer solitude or have social anxiety.
• Family Dynamics: Navigating complex family relationships can be challenging, particularly if there are unresolved conflicts or tensions.
• Time Management: Balancing holiday preparations with work and personal responsibilities can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed.

"We see a surge in mental health illnesses this time of year," said Samreen Shah, M.D., Corewell Health’s division chief of Behavioral Health in Southeast Michigan. "One reason is the holiday stress, but another has to do with where we live. Our winters can be long, our days are short, and we get very little sunlight so many days out of the year. That predisposes our population to seasonal affective disorders."

Tips for Maintaining Mental Health

Here are some tips from the experts at Corewell Health to help you manage stress and prioritize your mental well-being during the holiday season:

1. Set Realistic Expectations:Accept that the holidays don't have to be perfect or match idealized images. Focus on what truly matters to you and set realistic goals for your celebrations.
2. Accept that the holidays don't have to be perfect or match idealized images. Focus on what truly matters to you and set realistic goals for your celebrations.
3. Prioritize Self-Care:Make time for activities that nurture your mental health, such as exercise, meditation, reading or hobbies. Self-care is essential for maintaining balance and reducing stress.
4. Make time for activities that nurture your mental health, such as exercise, meditation, reading or hobbies. Self-care is essential for maintaining balance and reducing stress.
5. Manage Finances Wisely:Create a budget for holiday spending and stick to it. Consider thoughtful, low-cost gifts or experiences that emphasize connection rather than material value.
6. Create a budget for holiday spending and stick to it. Consider thoughtful, low-cost gifts or experiences that emphasize connection rather than material value.
7. Practice Mindfulness:Engage in mindfulness techniques to stay present and reduce anxiety. Deep breathing exercises, meditation and mindful walking can help center your thoughts and emotions.
8. Engage in mindfulness techniques to stay present and reduce anxiety. Deep breathing exercises, meditation and mindful walking can help center your thoughts and emotions.
9. Set Boundaries:It's okay to say no to events or activities that drain your energy or cause stress. Set boundaries to protect your mental health and prioritize what feels right for you.
10. It's okay to say no to events or activities that drain your energy or cause stress. Set boundaries to protect your mental health and prioritize what feels right for you.
11. Stay Connected:Reach out to friends and loved ones for support and connection. Sharing your feelings and experiences can provide comfort and strengthen relationships.
12. Reach out to friends and loved ones for support and connection. Sharing your feelings and experiences can provide comfort and strengthen relationships.
13. Limit Social Media:Reduce time spent on social media to avoid comparison and unrealistic expectations. Focus on real-life interactions and experiences.
14. Reduce time spent on social media to avoid comparison and unrealistic expectations. Focus on real-life interactions and experiences.
15. Seek Professional Help:If you find yourself struggling with persistent stress or anxiety, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. Therapy and counseling can provide valuable tools for coping and healing.
16. If you find yourself struggling with persistent stress or anxiety, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. Therapy and counseling can provide valuable tools for coping and healing.

Corewell Health Can Help

Corewell Health provides comprehensive, person-centered care for those who are navigating behavioral health challenges. Our mission is to support the psychological, emotional and social well-being of every patient through a multidisciplinary approach.

We offer services including diagnostic psychiatric assessment for adults aged 18 and older, and psychiatric medication follow-up visits. Whether you're seeking support for a new concern or ongoing care, the Corewell Health team is here to guide you with compassion, expertise and respect.

"Anyone who is having a tough time in terms of their mood, whether it is depression, mania, or suicidal thoughts – someone who can’t function on a day-to-day basis because of a mental health illness – those are the people who should be reaching out to a psychiatrist to get help," said Dr. Shah. 

Conclusion

The holiday season can be a time of joy and connection, but it's important to prioritize your mental health and manage stress effectively. By setting realistic expectations, practicing self-care and seeking support when needed, you can navigate the holidays with greater ease and well-being. If you need additional support this month – and into 2026 – Corewell Health can provide guidance and care. Learn more here.