The Holidays Are a Paradox
The holidays are a paradox: full of exhilaration for some and despair for others. Most of us have experienced being in the middle of that continuum, a place where jingles and salutations—“ho, ho, ho” and “pa rum pum pum pum”—simply lose their grip on our spirits.
Our young ones feel it too. A deterioration in student mental health during the holidays can seep into all aspects of life afterward. Here are some contributing factors:
- Students may face a familiar cycle of violence and conflict when returning home for the holidays.
- Students may have to work extra hours and/or take care of younger siblings.
- Due to economic constraints, some students may receive no gifts at all.
- The loss of a loved one who isn’t around anymore can elicit feelings of anxiety and depression.
- Many students don’t celebrate Christmas and report feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- If students have projects to complete before returning to school, it can trigger a constant “hammer-hanging-over-my-head” feeling.
These circumstances can have long-term influences that extend well past the end of winter break; in fact, they can linger into the spring semester and beyond. Unfortunately, post-holiday blues are often associated with a drop in students’ academic and behavioral performance.
According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC.org), “Mental health problems can affect a student’s energy level, concentration, dependability, mental ability, and optimism, hindering performance.”
It’s important for students to seek help once they are back in school or college, especially if morale continues to spiral downward. Reintegrating can be extra taxing as they resume facing heavy academic loads and ongoing social pressures.
Student Mental Health: A Pervasive Challenge
Student mental health problems are not confined to just the holidays or post-Christmas break; in fact, they are pervasive. To better understand this phenomenon, we need to place it in a wider context. Here are some staggering statistics:
- According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI.org), one in six U.S. youth aged 6-17 experiences a mental health disorder each year, and nearly half of all mental health conditions begin by age 14—but only half of those affected receive any mental health services.
- In the 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) WISQARS Leading Causes of Death Reports that beyond anxiety and depression, other mental health challenges that many students suffer from include suicidal thoughts as well. This may also increase in the post holiday phase.
- According to a recent Gallup study, “Female undergraduates, who represent the majority of currently enrolled U.S. college students, are more likely than their male peers to report experiencing negative daily emotions.”
For a more global perspective, these alarming facts from the World Health Organization (WHO) tell us:
- One in seven 10- to 19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 15% of the global burden of disease in this age group.
How We Can Support Our Youth
As a local community, we must do better. Our youth is our future, and early treatment and intervention are key to better outcomes. Here are some issues you can lobby your local government, school boards, and faith organizations about:
- Providing easier access to trusted adults, safe spaces, virtual counselors, school psychologists, and professional help.
- Offering fact-checked, free resources on both local and national levels.
- Promoting simple behavioral changes to help break the stress cycle, such as:
- Taking a walk in nature
- Breathing deeply
- Utilizing a calming app or guided imagery
- Getting enough sleep
- Exercising regularly
- Finding social support
- Eating a healthy diet
Find What Works for You
These are just some recommendations, but what reduces stress and anxiety for one person may not work for another. As students, it’s important to ask yourself: What helps you manage stress?
- If it’s listening to music, turn the volume up.
- If it’s dancing, boogie harder.
- Maybe it’s art therapy, equine therapy, essential oils, or Epsom salt baths.
- Perhaps volunteering at a local animal shelter or practicing yoga works for you.
Whatever it is, the most important thing is to reach out if you feel overwhelmed. Help is available and close by!
Resources:
- 988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is nationwide, free, and confidential.
- LifePath Systems is the designated behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disabilities authority for Collin County. Their crisis hotline, 877-422-5939, is available 24/7, 365 days a year.