Managing Anxiety During the Holidays: A Psychiatric NP Perspective

Why Anxiety Increases During the Holidays

The holidays are often portrayed as joyful and relaxing, but for many adults they bring intense stress, emotional pressure, and financial strain. Family dynamics, social expectations, work deadlines, travel, and disrupted routines all contribute to increased anxiety during this time of year.

At Coastal Breeze Mental Health, we frequently see an increase in anxiety symptoms from November through January among adults who otherwise feel they should be “handling it better.”

Anxiety during the holidays is common. It is also highly treatable.

Common Holiday-Related Anxiety Triggers

• Family conflict or strained relationships

• Financial pressure and gift expenses

• Overloaded schedules and lack of rest

• Travel stress and time zone disruption

• Grief and loss during seasonal gatherings

• Perfectionism around hosting or social expectations

• Work deadlines before the end of the year

When these stressors stack together, the nervous system stays in a prolonged state of activation.

Symptoms of Anxiety That Worsen During the Holidays

• Excessive worry that feels hard to control

• Racing thoughts and mental exhaustion

• Restlessness or feeling constantly on edge

• Irritability and low frustration tolerance

• Muscle tension, jaw clenching, headaches

• Sleep difficulty or early morning awakening

• Stomach upset, nausea, or appetite changes

• Avoidance of social situations

When anxiety persists beyond the holiday season or intensifies during it, professional support is often needed.

Medication Options for Anxiety

Medication can help regulate the overactive stress response that drives anxiety symptoms. Common categories include:

SSRIs

• Sertraline

• Escitalopram

• Fluoxetine

SNRIs

• Venlafaxine

• Duloxetine

Other Options

• Buspirone for chronic anxiety

• Beta blockers for physical symptoms such as racing heart

• Benzodiazepines for short-term or crisis use only

Medication is selected carefully based on safety, medical history, and symptom pattern.

Non-Medication Support for Holiday Anxiety

• Cognitive behavioral therapy

• Mindfulness and breathing techniques

• Limiting caffeine and alcohol

• Regular sleep and movement routines

• Setting boundaries around family and social obligations

• Building rest into the schedule intentionally

A combined approach often leads to the most stable and sustainable improvement.

When to Seek Professional Help

If holiday anxiety is interfering with your relationships, ability to work, sleep, or enjoy daily life, it may be time to speak with a psychiatric provider. Anxiety that is left untreated often worsens over time and increases the risk of depression and insomnia.

Anxiety Treatment in Downtown Santa Cruz and Across California

We provide:

• Psychiatric evaluation for anxiety disorders

• Personalized medication management

• Ongoing follow up and adjustment

• In-person visits in downtown Santa Cruz

• Secure telehealth throughout California

Get Support This Holiday Season

You do not have to push through overwhelming anxiety alone. With the right support, the holidays can feel manageable again. Contact Coastal Breeze Mental Health to schedule a confidential appointment and take the first step toward feeling steadier and more in control.