Finding Calm in the Festive Season: Christmas, New Year, and Mental Health

For many people, the festive season is painted as a time of joy, connection, and celebration. But behind the sparkling lights, Christmas and New Year can also bring increased pressure, emotional strain, and loneliness. If you or someone you care about finds this time of year difficult, you’re far from alone.

Why the festive season Can Heighten Mental Health Struggles

The festive period often intensifies challenges people are already facing,particularly around addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, and financial stress. Expectations to feel cheerful can make those struggling feel even worse.

Common triggers at this time of year include:

• Social pressure and family conflict

• Increased alcohol availability and temptation

• Financial strain from gifts, travel, or events

• Memories of lost loved ones

• Loneliness and isolation

• End-of-year reflection, often leading to self-criticism or overwhelm

For people dealing with addiction or in recovery, Christmas and New Year can be especially difficult. Parties, stress and disrupted routines can increase vulnerability to relapse.

But support is available, and there are ways to create calm and connection, even when things feel heavy.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help During the Festive Period

Hypnotherapy offers a gentle, supportive way to manage emotional strain and build inner resilience. During the holidays, it may help with:

1. Reducing Stress and Overwhelm

Hypnosis supports the nervous system, helping you slow down racing thoughts and access a calmer, more grounded state.

2. Managing Addictive Triggers

Hypnotherapy can reinforce healthier coping strategies, reduce cravings, and strengthen motivation for sobriety or reduction.

3. Supporting Emotional Well-being

Whether you’re managing grief, loneliness, or anxiety, hypnosis can help you process emotions safely and compassionately.

4. Building Confidence Going into a New Year

Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for setting intentions, improving self-belief and releasing unhelpful patterns.

Many clients find it becomes a moment of stillness in an otherwise chaotic season.

Other Helpful Techniques for Staying Well

Alongside hypnotherapy, these simple practices may support your mental health through the holidays:

Mindfulness or grounding exercises

A few slow breaths, noticing the sensations around you, or pausing for a mindful moment can help keep stress levels manageable.

Journalling

Writing down feelings or making a small plan for the day can soften anxiety and bring clarity.

Setting gentle boundaries

It’s okay to say no. Protecting your time and energy is not selfish, it’s healthy.

Limiting alcohol

Reducing or avoiding alcohol helps protect both mental health and addiction recovery efforts.

Reaching out

Talking to a friend, therapist, or support organisation can make a huge difference, especially at this time of year.

Charities and Organisations That Can Help

If you or someone you know is struggling, these organisations offer support throughout the festive period:

• Samaritans (UK & Ireland)  24/7 emotional support: Call 116 123

• Mind (UK)  Mental health information and support services

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)  Meetings and helplines for alcohol dependency

• Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Support for drug-related addiction

• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)  Support for mental health and suicide prevention

• NHS 111 (UK)  For urgent mental health assistance

• Local Crisis Teams or GP  For immediate safeguards and guidance

If you’re outside the UK, your country will have similar crisis lines and support groups—many operate 24 hours a day during the holidays.

A Positive Note: The Season Can Still Hold Peace

Even if the festive season feels complicated, small moments of peace, connection, and self-kindness are possible. Healing doesn’t have to wait until January, and support doesn’t stop just because the world feels festive.

You matter

. Your wellbeing matters.

And whether through hypnotherapy, community support, or simply gentle self-care, there are ways to navigate the season with more ease and hope.

If you’d like support during this time, I’m here to help.