Holiday Mental Health Support from Indiana Center for Recovery

Clinically Reviewed by:

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP

Chief Medical Director

Check In and Reach Out is a seasonal mental health initiative designed to help people notice when someone is struggling and feel more comfortable asking for support themselves. The end of the year can increase stress, amplify loneliness, and worsen conditions like seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to decreased sunlight that affects mood, sleep, and energy

Talking about how you feel is always allowed. If your mood drops, if you feel tense more often, or if daily responsibilities feel heavier than usual, help is available. Reaching out early can prevent symptoms from becoming overwhelming.

Checking in on others’ matters, too. Many people hide their stress or sadness during the holidays. A simple conversation can help someone who feels isolated, anxious, or depressed. If finding the right words feels difficult, Indiana Center for Recovery offers a conversation guide with practical examples and supportive phrases to make starting the dialogue easier.

Watch for signs in others

You might notice shifts in mood, energy, or behavior. These can signal that someone needs extra support, especially during the holidays. Examples include:

• Lasting sadness or irritability
• Feeling tense, anxious, or easily overwhelmed
• Losing interest in usual hobbies or family activities
• Pulling away from friends, relatives, or social gatherings
• Low energy, fatigue, or feeling “slowed down”
• Sleeping much more or far less than normal
• Eating far more or far less than typical (including emotional eating)
• Using alcohol, drugs, or food as a way to cope
• Crying frequently or having trouble controlling emotions
• Feeling “checked out,” numb, or disconnected from surroundings

These symptoms can point to depression, anxiety disorders, or stress-related changes in the brain and body. You do not have to diagnose anything. Just noticing the change is enough to start a caring conversation.

Look at your own mental health

Your feelings matter, too. The holidays can increase pressure, sensory overload, financial worry, or family conflict. These steps can help you keep your emotional balance:

• Set limits on events, spending, and commitments. Saying “no” protects your energy.
• Keep a predictable sleep schedule. Sleep regulates mood and stress hormones.
• Make a simple plan for moments when you feel uneasy or overwhelmed.
• Move your body regularly: walking, stretching, or moderate exercise can improve mood by increasing serotonin and endorphins.
• Block out short periods of alone time to reset, breathe, and decompress.

These strategies support mental stability and reduce the risk of worsening depression or anxiety symptoms.

How to reach out or help

Reaching out, either for yourself or for someone else, can prevent a crisis and create a genuine connection. Here are practical ways to begin:

• Communicate your needs clearly. You can say, “This time of year is difficult for me, and I need extra support.”
• Build a small support system. Identify two or three people you can call when your mood changes or stress rises.
• Seek professional care. Therapists, physicians, and psychiatric providers can evaluate symptoms, recommend evidence-based therapies, and offer treatment options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or medication when appropriate.

If symptoms interfere with daily responsibilities, relationships, or your ability to function, contacting a mental health professional is the safest next step. Help is available, and the first step is simply reaching out. 

Blog Mental Health

Published: December 5, 2025