The latest Healthy Minds Poll from the American Psychiatric Association finds 41% of American adults currently anticipate more holiday stress compared to 2024. Among 18-34 year olds, it jumps to nearly 50%. The struggle to recover normalcy after the festivities will be harder than usual this year.
It’s not all bad news. Forty-four percent say they expect the holidays to positively affect their mental health. The question is, how long will it take? Dealing with grief over missing a loved one at this special time of year is the number one concern. But nearly half of those polled say they worry they may not be able to afford gifts.
Paying it backward
Three-quarters of Americans say the economy is their number one source of anxiety. As inflation marches higher, the recent import tariffs contribute to the problem, making many items more expensive.
People were already in a bind. Thanks to the state of the economy, 69% of Americans used credit cards, and worse, buy-now, pay-later programs to finance their holiday spending. As of November 2025, the Consolidated Credit reports 36% are still paying off those bills.
The area under the Christmas tree may look a little more bare this year, as consumers cut back on gifts, even if they spend the same amount. Guilt over not being able to give as much, or spending what they cannot afford to avoid that guilt, can lead to heightened levels of depression in a season that already sees 5% of Americans suffering from seasonal affective disorder.
Higher costs mean less care
Nearly half of U.S. adults say it is difficult to afford health care costs; 75% of uninsured adults under 65 simply go without. A third admit they’ve put off necessary care due to expense. Hispanic and Black adults are more likely than others to delay or go without healthcare due to cost.
What’s worse, Mercer predicts health care costs will increase 6.7% in 2026, while expenses for prescription drugs jump 9.4% in 2025. Just thinking about that raises cortisol levels, the stress hormone that regulates your metabolism. And more cortisol often means literally carrying more weight, in your belly region.
Meanwhile, more insurance companies are denying coverage or approval for more expensive pharmaceuticals, from necessary meds like Entresto to so-called cosmetic drugs like GLP-1s for weight loss and Type 2 diabetes. That’s bad news for those hoping to shed the holiday pounds.
Cheers and jeers
The pace of the holidays is another source of stress. Trying to fit in everything you’d like to do can be overwhelming. Add to that the parties or events you’re required to attend, conflicting schedules and last-minute changes, and you’re bound to get fatigued. And many times, that exhaustion continues into the new year.
Being with family can add to the tension. Sure, it’s great to see almost all of your extended family members at this joyous time of the year, except when it’s not. Family gatherings can be a significant source of stress, especially when someone knows what buttons to push to drive people crazy. But sometimes being without family can be worse. Loneliness and depression tend to be higher during the winter months.
There’s nothing wrong with expectations for your holidays. But when things don’t go as planned, it can be disappointing. The reality is food doesn’t always turn out as we hoped, not everyone shows up for every party and sometimes the perfect gift just isn’t.
Sometimes the holiday hangover hits hardest after the season is over. The return to regular responsibilities and routines may contribute to a person feeling letdown or lost.
Resolutions for the new year
The holiday hangover may seem unavoidable, but there are steps you can take to minimize the stress, worry and fatigue. First, give yourself grace. Not everything has to be perfect, and no one’s world is going to end because you didn’t personally get them exactly what they wanted.
You are more important than a gift. The old adage “presence matters more than presents” comes to mind. Remember what the holidays are really all about: spending time with your loved ones. Consider giving the gift of minimalism. Less clutter can improve brain function and overall well-being.
“It is important to remember that in stressful times, sometimes the best gift we can give ourselves and our loved ones is living in the moment and being mindful of nurturing our personal connections,” shares APA President Theresa Miskimen Rivera, M.D.
Discuss with your family and work friends about setting a spending limit if you really need to give gifts. Remember, these days, experiences are more highly valued than material possessions. Organize a budget-friendly travel outing. You can spread out and share the cost; planning even becomes part of the adventure.
Food for thought
What would the holidays be without delicious dishes and snacks? As enticing as some of these foods and sweets are, they can add to both stress and weight. It’s fine to indulge once in a while, but that makes the in-between meals even more important. An easy-to-make tortilla pizza is budget friendly and ready in just five minutes. Talk about a time saver.
Carbs stick with you longer, make you sluggish and cause spikes in your blood sugar. On the other hand, protein can boost your mood. So, sure, have a Christmas cookie or three. But instead of finishing the whole tin, make and snack on banana protein muffins, which are great for breakfast and naturally sweet.
If you need to bring a dish for a party, consider baked broccoli and chicken instead of mac and cheese or green bean casserole. Not only does it have fewer carbs and salt, but you still get some cheese and added texture, without as much cholesterol.
Tie one on
The holiday hangover is real and may be harder to avoid in 2026, which can be a problem or a challenging opportunity. With a little extra effort, careful planning and forgiveness for yourself, you can mitigate the effects of seasonal depression and stress, and still have a happy and healthy holiday season.
Sharon Rhodes is the creative force behind the food blog The Honour System. Passionate about all things homemade, Sharon is a seasoned recipe curator focused on making healthier cooking and baking accessible to everyone.