Holiday Stress: How to Support Kids and Teens During the Winter Break
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TORONTO — While the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration for many,it can also be a period of heightened anxiety,stress,and loneliness for kids and teens. Experts warn that the winter break can exacerbate mental health challenges for young people, making it crucial for parents and caregivers to stay attuned to their emotional well-being.
Alisa Simon, Chief Youth Officer at kids Help Phone, has observed this trend firsthand. “We do see an increase in young people reaching out to us during the holidays,” she said. “it’s a time when school is out, and for some, that can mean a loss of routine and support systems.”
Why the Holidays Can Be Tough for young People
Mental health professionals identify several factors that contribute to the emotional strain many kids and teens experience during the holidays. Family dynamics, the pressure to appear “happy,” reduced social interactions with friends, and the stress of upcoming exams in January can all take a toll. Additionally, the shorter days and lack of sunlight during winter can exacerbate feelings of sadness and isolation.
according to Kids Help Phone data, the institution received 816,650 contacts from young people between November 1 and December 31, 2023, compared to 779,734 during the summer months of July and August. Simon noted, “A lot of young people can feel really lonely over the holidays. If your family isn’t a place that feels safe or connected, that can make it really stressful for some young people and it also can isolate them from who they are connected to if that’s their friends or their community in school.”
Simon also highlighted how young people frequently enough pick up on the stressors within their families, such as financial pressures or heightened emotions. “We all put so much pressure on ourselves around the holidays, especially if we’ve got young people, to try and make it the best holiday ever,” she said. “But that kind of expectation can be overwhelming.”
How Parents Can Help
Dr. Sandra Newton, a clinical and school psychologist, emphasized the importance of fostering open communication during the break.”One of the best things we can teach kids is that we can integrate all aspects of ourselves,” she said. “Ther is room for you no matter how tough a time you’re having. It doesn’t have to look perfect.It’s their presence that we’re valuing.”
Newton suggested that parents normalize conversations about mental health before the holiday break begins. “Hey, would it be OK for me just to check in with you a few times? What’s the way that I can do that when I would not feel intrusive or bothersome? I’m here to help,” she recommended parents say. “So often, kids are concerned that they’re burdening a caregiver by sharing that things are difficult.We can validate that it’s difficult.They’re doing the best they can, and sometimes they’re going to need that caregiver to take the extra step to increase their support.”
Dr. Kevin Gabel, a child and youth psychiatrist at North York General Hospital, echoed the importance of regular communication. “November was a busy month for us,” he said. “The holidays can disrupt routines, and kids need to know that their feelings are valid, whether they’re happy or struggling.”
Finding Additional Support
For kids and teens receiving mental health treatment, the holiday break frequently enough means a gap in therapy sessions as therapists take time off. Newton advised families to plan ahead and identify alternative sources of support, such as family members, friends, or helplines like Kids Help Phone.
“The holidays don’t have to be perfect,” Newton said. “What matters most is that kids feel seen, heard, and supported. Sometimes, that means allowing for breaks or adjusting expectations to accommodate their needs.”
As the holiday season approaches,parents and caregivers are encouraged to prioritize open dialog and emotional support for their children. By creating a safe and understanding surroundings, families can help ensure that the winter break is a time of connection and resilience for kids and teens.
Seasonal Depression and Mental Health: How to Support Kids and Teens During the Holidays
As the days grow shorter and the holiday season approaches,experts are warning about the increased risk of seasonal depression among children and teenagers. The combination of shorter daylight hours, holiday stress, and academic pressures can create a perfect storm for mental health challenges. Parents and caregivers are being urged to stay vigilant and provide the necessary support to help young people navigate these difficult times.
Understanding seasonal Depression in Young People
Dr. John Gabel, a pediatrician specializing in mental health, explains that seasonal depression frequently enough begins in November or December when the days become shorter and darker. “School also tends to get more stressful, especially if exams loom in the new year,” Gabel said.”it’s crucial for parents to check in with their children and teenagers and really let them express their feelings in a way that’s safe, understanding, and non-judgmental.”
Gabel emphasizes that while it might potentially be tempting to jump in and solve all the problems, sometimes simply listening and showing empathy can be incredibly powerful. “Sometimes even just listening, showing that you get it, can be really powerful and validating,” he said.
Signs to Watch For
If children are reluctant to open up about what’s troubling them,parents should be alert to changes in behavior. Dr. Sarah newton, a child psychologist, notes that significant shifts in mood, increased withdrawal, and a loss of interest in activities they normally enjoy could be red flags. “These changes, if they persist over multiple days, are potential signs of trouble,” Gabel said.
Navigating Grief During the Holidays
The holiday season can be particularly challenging for children and youth who have experienced the loss of a loved one. “Holidays are gathering and family-focused times. And if your family looks different this year, that’s going to be difficult,” said Newton. “Youth may feel on their own having to deal with that sense of loss or watching caregivers navigate it.”
dr. Emily Simon, a grief counselor, stresses the importance of acknowledging grief with children. “Sometimes as caregivers, we try and hide our own sadness as we see it as a burden to the young people in our lives,” she said. ”It’s vital for them to know that it’s OK to feel those feelings. It’s OK to cry and to be sad and to talk about it.”
Resources for Support
For those in need of immediate support, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers help 24/7 at 988. Kids Help Phone provides free support and resources for children and youth, available at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting 686868. Adults can also access support by texting 741741.
As the holiday season approaches, taking proactive steps to support the mental health of children and teenagers can make a significant difference.By staying attuned to their emotional needs and providing a safe space for expression, parents and caregivers can help navigate these challenging times together.
This article was originally published on December 10, 2024.
Essary support to help young people navigate this tough time. In this interview, we speak with Alisa Simon, Chief Youth Officer at Kids Help Phone, and dr. Sandra Newton, a clinical and school psychologist, to discuss the unique challenges kids and teens face during the holidays and offer practical advice on how to support them.
Understanding the Holiday stress for Kids and Teens
Senior editor: Alisa, can you explain why the holidays can be particularly tough for young people? What are some of the key factors contributing to this stress?
Alisa Simon: Absolutely. The holidays can be a double-edged sword for young people. On one hand, there’s the excitement of celebrations and time off from school.But conversely, the holidays can disrupt routines, which many young people rely on for stability. Additionally, family dynamics can be a source of stress, especially if there are unresolved conflicts or tensions.The pressure to appear “happy” during the holidays can also be overwhelming, and for some, the lack of social interactions with friends during the break can lead to feelings of isolation.
Senior Editor: Dr. Newton, how dose the lack of sunlight during winter affect young people’s mental health? Is this somthing parents should be aware of?
Dr. Sandra Newton: Yes, absolutely. The shorter days and lack of sunlight can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, usually winter. For young people, this can manifest as increased feelings of sadness, fatigue, and even irritability. Parents should be aware of these symptoms and consider simple interventions like increasing natural light exposure in the home or encouraging outdoor activities during daylight hours.
Practical Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Senior Editor: What are some practical steps parents can take to support their children during the holidays? Alisa, you mentioned the importance of routine.Can you expand on that?
Alisa Simon: Certainly. Maintaining a sense of routine, even during the holidays, can be incredibly helpful for young people. This doesn’t mean sticking to a rigid schedule, but rather creating a structure that includes regular mealtimes, sleep schedules, and activities. For example, setting aside time for family activities, but also allowing for downtime, can help balance the excitement of the holidays with the need for rest and relaxation.
Senior Editor: Dr. Newton, you’ve emphasized the importance of open interaction. Can you share some tips on how parents can start these conversations with their kids?
Dr. Sandra Newton: Absolutely. One of the best ways to start these conversations is by normalizing the discussion of mental health. Parents can say something like, ”Hey, I know the holidays can be a bit overwhelming. How are you feeling about everything?” It’s vital to let kids know that it’s okay to feel whatever they’re feeling—whether it’s happiness, stress, or sadness. By creating a safe space for open dialog, parents can definitely help their children feel supported and understood.
Finding Additional Support
Senior Editor: What resources are available for kids and teens who may need additional support during the holidays? Alisa,can you talk about the role of Kids Help Phone?
Alisa Simon: Kids Help Phone is here to provide free,confidential support 24/7 for young people. We saw a significant increase in contacts during the holiday season last year, which highlights the need for accessible support. Whether it’s through a phone call or a text, young people can reach out to us anytime they need someone to talk to. We also offer online resources and tools to help young people navigate their emotions during the holidays.
Senior editor: Dr. Newton,what advice would you give to parents whose children are receiving mental health treatment but may experience a gap in therapy sessions during the holiday break?
Dr. Sandra Newton: It’s critically important for families to plan ahead and identify option sources of support. This coudl include reaching out to family members or friends who can provide additional support, or utilizing helplines like Kids Help Phone. It’s also a good idea to discuss with the therapist how to maintain progress during the break. Simple strategies like keeping a journal or practicing mindfulness exercises can be helpful in maintaining mental well-being.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Thank you both for sharing your insights. As we approach the holiday season, it’s clear that parents and caregivers play a crucial role in supporting the mental health of their children. By staying attuned to their emotional needs and providing a safe space for expression, families can help navigate these challenging times together.
This interview was conducted on November 20, 2024.
