Why Holidays Are the Best Time to Start Therapy

Meeting friends & family, glittering lights, favorite meals, the holiday season is the official time of joy and occasion. Yet, it represents one of the most psychologically demanding times of the year. Increased social obligations, disrupted routines, financial pressure, and heightened emotional expectations can make the holidays the best time to start therapy.

Even amid full calendars and seasonal demands, the holiday season is the best time to invest in your long-term mental health. It can actually be a powerful springboard for growth, relief, and resilience. That is precisely why choosing to start therapy in December can be clinically beneficial rather than counterintuitive.

In this piece, we will discuss why the holidays are the best time to take the first step in therapy and how it can support strong mental health.

Starting a New Year with Psychological Care Is a Preventive Health Decision

There is something profoundly strong about choosing care before reaching a breaking point. It’s a decision that honors your emotional experience. Choosing to start therapy during holidays reflects self-awareness. It is a decision to prioritize emotional health proactively, rather than postponing care until distress becomes unmanageable. Here are five reasons to start therapy in December, before the holidays, to find peace and balance in your life. 

Why Do the Holidays Increase Stress, Anxiety, and Emotional Distress?

ADHD is strongly linked to dopamine imbalance — the brain chemical responsible for motivation, reward, and follow-through. Depression also involves disruptions in dopamine and serotonin, which explains why motivation and pleasure often feel depleted in both conditions.

From a clinical standpoint, the holidays are associated with measurable increases in anxiety symptoms, depressive episodes, sleep disturbances, and emotional dysregulation. 

According to the 2025 mental health reporting, more than 50 percent of individuals have reported the holiday season to be more stressful and lonely than usual. A significant subset is experiencing worsening symptoms of anxiety and mood disorders. 

These patterns are notable among individuals managing work pressure, family responsibilities, or unresolved interpersonal stress. Rather than viewing holiday stress as a temporary condition, mental health professionals recognize it as a predictable stress response.

Can Starting Therapy Early Prevent Anxiety or Depression From Worsening?

A common misconception is that therapy should only be considered when you have a free schedule. This delay can allow acute stress to progress into more entrenched conditions. By choosing to start therapy in December, you can benefit from:

• Early identification of inaccurate coping patterns 
• Reduction in symptom severity 
• Prevention of post-holiday anxiety 
• Increased self-awareness
• Better long-term success
• Healthy coping mechanism

From a treatment-planning perspective, therapy during the holidays supports stabilization, allowing patients to enter the new year with emotional-regulation strategies. 

What Mental Health Issues Often Surface During the Holidays?

Holiday stress reveals more than surface-level issues. Professionals often observe that this period exposes: 

• Unresolved trauma responses 
• Long-standing family system patterns 
• Seasonal affective symptoms 
• Burnout related to occupational or caregiving roles 

Deciding to start therapy during holidays allows for dual-level care, addressing immediate stressors and acute underlying psychological contributors. This integrated approach leads to faster, sustainable results.

How Can Therapy Fit Into a Busy Holiday Schedule?

Busy schedules and a shortage of time are valid concerns in starting therapy. Modern mental health care has evolved accordingly. Current therapeutic delivery models include: 

• Telehealth psychotherapy sessions 
• Short-term and focused treatment plans 
• Flexible scheduling options, including evenings 
• Evidence-based brief interventions 
• Affordable sessions

These models allow individuals to engage in therapy without compromising professional or personal responsibilities. 

Can Therapy Help With Relationships and Boundaries During the Holidays?

The holidays often mean connecting with friends and loved ones, but sometimes those interactions can be triggering. Better mental health helps you improve your relationships during moments that matter most. Therapy during holidays can help you:

• Communicate more effectively
• Set and maintain healthy boundaries
• Manage expectations and interpersonal pressure

When Should You Seek Professional Mental Health Support During the Holidays?

Yes, you’ve a busy schedule and holiday days can be overwhelming. These very factors make it an ideal time to start therapy in December. Resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well‐being are the best gifts you can give yourself this year. Georgia Behavioral Health is here to help you navigate the season. Schedule a consultation today to learn how therapy can make this holiday season truly transformative.

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