How to Support a Loved One’s Mental Health This Holiday Season

Mental health challenges don’t take a break during the holidays. For someone already struggling, the festive season—with its focus on joy, togetherness, and celebration—can feel particularly overwhelming. The pressure to appear happy and engage socially may highlight the isolation they may be experiencing or the difficulties they may have regulating their emotions, making it harder to cope.

If you have a friend or family member facing mental health challenges, you may still want to include them in the festivities. But this may seem a bit difficult to navigate. So what do you do for someone who is struggling mentally this holiday season> 

How about the gift of support? Here are some practical ways you can be there for them this holiday season.

Recognize the Signs

If your loved one hasn’t openly shared their struggles, start by observing potential signs of mental health challenges. Look for significant changes, such as:

• Mood swings or emotional withdrawal

• Changes in appetite (eating much more or much less than usual)

• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)

• Heightened irritability

• Expressing feelings of hopelessness, despair, or even thoughts of self-harm

Doing a little research on mental health symptoms can also help you better understand what they might be experiencing.

Start the Conversation

Starting a conversation around someone’s mental health struggles can be intimidating, but it’s an essential – and compassionate - step. Ask open-ended questions to encourage your loved one to share their thoughts and feelings, such as:

1. What are you feeling right now?

2. How can I support you during this time?

3. Is there anything on your mind that you’d like to talk about?

4. What would make this season feel better for you?

5. Is there anything I can do to help you?

While they might not respond right away, creating a safe space for open communication is helpful. Remember, people can often sense sincerity, so approach the conversation with genuine care and patience. Lots and lots of patience.

Include Them Without Pressure

Invite your loved one to join in the holiday fun, whether its dinner, movie night, family gatherings, or games night. Do not pressure them into attending—allow them to join in at their comfort level. Extending the invitation shows them they are valued and loved, even if they choose not to join.

Avoid Assumptions

Assuming what your loved one is going through or what they need can be counterproductive. Misunderstanding their situation might push them away or even worsen their mental health. Instead, ask thoughtful questions to gain clarity and better understand their experiences.

Encourage Professional Support

As much as you care for your loved one, your support might not be enough to address their challenges fully. Gently encourage them to seek professional help, such as therapy or mental health coaching. You can also assist by helping them find a trusted mental health provider who will be able to address their needs.

Supporting a loved one with mental health challenges during the holidays can feel daunting, but showing you care and understand can make a world of difference. Sometimes, just knowing someone is there can be comforting.

As you navigate the holiday season, remember that your presence, patience, and kindness can be an anchor for someone who’s struggling. The holidays are about love and connection. By compassionately supporting your loved one, you’re giving them a gift that will outlive the season. So keep showing up. You’re making a difference!