Navigating Student Stress and Mental Health During the Holidays

Posted on December 15, 2023

At International Survey Associates (ISA), our mission is driven by our commitment to work with our community partners and education coalitions to provide research, resources, and data surrounding and focusing on the current issues that affect today’s youth and adolescents. This month, we turn our focus towards student stress and the mental health of students, especially during the holiday season.

The holiday season is often associated with joy, songs we can’t get out of our heads, and quality time with family and loved ones. However, for many students, this time of year can bring about challenges that can negatively impact their mental health. From academic pressures as the semester ends to personal expectations and family issues, students may find themselves grappling with stress and depression during what is supposed to be a time of celebration and love. This month, we explore factors affecting student stress and student mental health around the holidays and what teachers and parents can look out for and do if they suspect an adolescent is struggling. 

Speaking to factors that affect student stress and student mental health, as the end of the semester approaches, students often face a surge, particularly in academic demands. Final exams, projects, and deadlines can create a high-pressure environment, contributing to heightened stress levels. The desire to perform well academically and meet expectations can be overwhelming, especially when combined with the holiday festivities. Failing to meet those expectations can leave a student feeling depressed about the future and dreading the confrontations that can arise from parents, teachers, and administrators. 

The holiday season can also bring a range of emotions tied to family. For some students, the prospect of spending extended time with family members may be stressful or trigger underlying issues, as we all have family issues, and they tend to be brought more to light during the holidays. Strained relationships or feelings of isolation can intensify during the holidays, impacting a student’s overall well-being.

While there are many reasons a student’s mental health may be suffering, it may not be easy to spot in the rush of the holiday season when parents are under their own stress that accompanies the end of the year. Just remembering to take some time to be mindful of others can go a long way. Keep an eye on noticeable changes in a student’s behavior. This can include withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleeping or eating habits, or a decline in academic performance. Uncharacteristic irritability or mood swings may also be indicators of increased student stress.

Students may not always communicate their struggles verbally, but changes in emotional expression can provide valuable insights. Increased tearfulness, expressions of hopelessness, or sudden bursts of frustration may be signs of underlying mental health challenges. Monitor changes in communication patterns, both in person and online. A sudden withdrawal from social media or a decline in responses to messages could indicate a student is struggling emotionally.

Parents and teachers can create an open and non-judgmental space where students feel comfortable expressing their concerns. Encourage dialogue about the challenges they may be facing and assure them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Acknowledge that the holiday season can be stressful and that not every student may experience it in the same way. Be mindful of academic expectations, and consider providing flexibility or additional support to help students navigate their responsibilities.

Also, encourage students to manage their expectations of other people. We can all have the fantasy that everyone is going to have a wonderful time, but the reality is that there are often tensions in families, and it likely won’t be a fantasy version of the holidays. Remind them that you can’t control other people, but you can adjust your expectations and reactions, which can be empowering. Help them evaluate how they spend their time, decide what they want the holidays to mean to them, and keep their expectations for the season realistic.

Navigating student stress and mental health during the holidays requires a collaborative effort from teachers, parents, and the community. If you would like more information on mental health during the holidays or need additional information on general behavioral stress, depression, addiction, or other mental health-related issues in your communities, we offer many options to fit various needs.

Resources

https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/7-tips-for-managing-your-mental-health-during-the-holidays/2022/12

https://journeytogracecounseling.com/f/navigating-the-holidays-a-guide-to-mental-wellness-connection?blogcategory=stress

https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/seven-ways-to-cope-with-holiday-stress

https://news.blueshieldca.com/2022/11/30/here-come-the-holidays-tips-to-manage-holiday-stress

https://hms.harvard.edu/news-events/publications-archive/brain/holiday-stress-brain