6 Signs That the Holidays Are Giving You Anxiety

Usually, when people think about the holidays, they conjure images of happiness when spending time with friends and loved ones. However, that’s not the case for everyone. For one in five people, the holidays bring crippling anxiety that makes it hard for them to enjoy family gatherings. To make matters worse, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that Black Americans have a 20 percent higher chance of experiencing holiday anxiety than other ethnicities. Given that Black people are also less likely to tend to their mental health, the holidays can cause even more distress.  What Causes Holiday Anxiety While some people have good memories of family get-togethers on the holidays, not everyone is that fortunate. Some people experience heightened tension and a higher likelihood of conflict when they attend family gatherings. The causes of the conflict may vary, but some possible issues can include politics, religion, financial problems, and relationships. Knowing that butting heads with family members is inevitable can give you anxiety about attending. Another potential cause of holiday anxiety is having to host the gathering. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), planning and hosting family get-togethers are a high source of stress....