BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for many Americans, the holidays are bringing more stress than joy.
A new poll by the American Psychiatric Association finds a significant increase in anxiety ahead of the holidays.
The poll highlights that top concerns include worries about missing loved ones or grief, and the financial pressure of affording holiday gifts.
“There is a lot of pressure to have the perfect holiday. People feel pressure to buy the right gift or to have the right spread at the holiday table,” said the APA’s Dr. Marketa Wills. “Generally speaking, usually only 30% of Americans are stressed. But this year, that number popped up to about 44%. So, that was pretty alarming for us.”
The APA suggests solutions like potlucks or gift exchanges to help ease the burden.
Family dynamics are also a major stressor for many, with one in three adults worrying about get-togethers.
Despite the stress, the poll also shows that 44% of Americans anticipate a positive impact on their mental health from the holidays, looking forward to time with friends and family, good food, and exchanging gifts.
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