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Whilst for many people Christmas is a time to gather loved ones together and celebrate, not everyone looks forward to the festive season. For some people ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ is marked by intense feelings of loneliness, anxiety and overwhelm, particularly for those who are isolated, grieving or under extra stress.

Despite Christmas’s reputation for spreading joy and happiness, survey findings suggest that mental health challenges during the festive season may be more common than many people realise. A study commissioned in November 2024 by Pure Profile on behalf of Medibank revealed that more than 1 in 3 people say the cost of Christmas will negatively impact their mental health and wellbeing, and 38% expect to feel lonely at some time over the Christmas and New Year period. For other people, being with their family and navigating difficult family dynamics can be a trigger, with 1 in 4 18–24-year-olds saying that spending time with their family for Christmas was the catalyst for worsened mental health symptoms. Similarly, 1 in 5 older adults aged between 50 and 65 stated that they would prefer to spend Christmas alone.

Interestingly, young people aged 18-24 are almost twice as likely as older Australians (65+) to feel lonely over Christmas, which could in part be down to seeing other people’s social media posts and viewing their own experiences unfavorably in comparison.

Additional Evidence-based Treatments for Mental Health

The good news is that there is no need to suffer in silence. Moreover, therapy for depression is not limited to medication and traditional psychological therapies. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS Therapy) is an evidence-based, non-invasive treatment that may be considered for people with treatment-resistant depression, following assessment by a psychiatrist. EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured psychotherapy primarily used for trauma-related conditions and may be helpful where mental health symptoms are linked to traumatic experiences, following assessment by a trained psychologist. 

The added pressures and expectations of the holiday season can worsen depressive symptoms, so some people may find it helpful to explore additional support options during this time, in consultation with a qualified mental health professional.

National Mental Health Helplines 

If you or someone you know is having a tough time over the Christmas period, immediate help is available: 

Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Suicide Call Back Services: 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78

This article provides general information only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are concerned about your mental health, please seek advice from a qualified health professional. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, call 000.