Anxiety and depression symptoms increase during holiday season

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The holidays is the most wonderful time of the year for some people, but for others it can trigger anxiety and depression. The "Holiday Blues" can feel a lot like depression but caused by the holidays and the stresses that surround it such as large family gatherings and hosting and attending events.

According to MU Health Care psychiatrist Dr. Arpit Aggarwal, people with anxiety and depression are 50-60% more likely to worsen during the holiday season. However, it also affects people who may not regular suffer with issues related to anxiety or depression.

“Holiday blues is not like a recognizable disorder, but it is very, very common," Aggarwal said. "So if you just look across, you know, the increased stress that comes with holidays and it's applicable to people who have a diagnosed mental disorder or people who are, quote unquote, 'normal.'"

The holiday blues are not meant to be long term. It will usually start late November or December, during the time of celebrations and increased stress.

988 is a suicide and crisis lifeline that is available 24 hours a day. During the holiday months from November 2022 to January 2023, 988 answered 11,143 calls in the state of Missouri. Aggarwal is encouraging those who may need assistance to call 988.