Holiday 2021 Stress Report: Increase in Anxiety, Depression & COVID-related Stress

Mental health & the holidays 3 in 5 Americans feel their mental health is negatively impacted by the holidays -- a trend that’s increasing year-over-year. Compared to how they felt during the 2020 holiday season:

• 60% report an increase in anxiety
• 52% feel an increase in depression
• Nearly 70% feel more financial stress
• 64% feel an increase in COVID-19 related stress

This stress makes 67% of Americans consider seeking out a mental health professional to talk to -- and another 8% are interested but don’t feel they can afford it right now. Further, more than half of Americans (56%) wish the holidays were canceled, due to the stress of the season. </p>

Sources of stress Shopping for gifts tops the list of Americans’ biggest stressors during the holiday season (with 26% rating it their number one cause of stress), followed by managing children’s excitement (17%) and navigating difficult family dynamics (17%).

Supply chain is on consumers’ minds -- with consumers slightly more stressed about whether their gifts will get here in time (14%) than navigating COVID logistics such as who has been vaccinated, etc. (13%).

COVID & holiday 2021 plans When it comes to what’s on Americans’ agenda for seasonal activities and travel, COVID-19 remains a factor.

• 7 in 10 respondents say they will see less family and/or friends than they usually do
  • Almost a third (30%) of respondents will travel to see out-of-town family and friends, with the remainder not feeling comfortable yet
  • Nearly two-thirds of Americans say they won't see family or friends who haven't been fully vaccinated (including applicable booster shots) for the holidays this year
  • Large gatherings such as holiday parties or performances are not on the list for 7 in 10 consumers

Coping with stress It’s clear that Americans are overwhelmed this holiday season. So, how are they coping with this stress? By eating, exercising and having sex -- not necessarily in that order. Eating comfort food and exercising are tied for the number one way consumers relieve their stress (19%) -- followed by having sex and drinking alcohol tied at number two (14%).

Luckily, nearly a quarter (22%) of Americans ease their stress by talking to someone -- either a mental health professional (12%) or a trusted family member or friend (10%).

To view the latest holiday stress results, visit our 2023 Holiday Stress Survey. Methodology: This survey was commissioned by Sesame via Pollfish. Data was collected from 500 general population respondents in the U.S., ages 18+, on October 27, 2021.