A third of Latinos in the United States report greater stress during the Christmas holidays, according to a study. Factors such as nostalgia, the loss of loved ones, and social expectations can negatively influence mental health during the holidays.
The Christmas holidays are a time characterized by lights, decorations, gifts and, above all, family gatherings, but they can also be a complicated period for many people. Social expectations, mourning the loss of loved ones, and loneliness are some of the factors that affect emotional well-being during celebrations.
33% of Latinos in the United States report experiencing more holiday-related stress than the previous year, according to the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) Fourth Annual Holiday Mental Health Survey. recently published.
What causes Christmas stress?
The APA report identifies that 51% of those surveyed mention buying gifts as one of the main sources of stress, an aspect that coincides with what the specialists consulted by the Voice of America.
“You don't have to stress yourself out trying to find the perfect gift or menu, you have to be aware that the important thing is to enjoy the company and human connections,” warned Dr. Theresa Miskimen-Rivera, president-elect of the APA.
However, mourning the loss of a loved one affects 50% of people, a situation that is aggravated by the nostalgia associated with these dates.
“Many times the lights and the celebration outside do not match the emotion you have inside, and that generates a lot of disturbance. Everyone seems happy, but inside you may be dying of grief,” explained Dr. Marian Rojas Estapé, doctor and writer specializing in psychiatry, while noting that the “disconnection between the internal and external” can be especially difficult to manage for those facing a recent loss.
This situation was aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic, where the rates of depression cases skyrocketed. It is estimated that more than 60% of the population admits to having felt lonely at some point in the last year, something that has not been so accentuated since the health crisis.
“Uncertainty, isolation and fear of the future have exacerbated symptoms of anxiety and depression in many people, leaving scars that often resurface during the Christmas season,” added Rojas Estapé.
Loneliness: a silent pandemic
According to another report from Harvard University, loneliness activates areas of the brain similar to physical pain, which is why experts defend the importance of taking good care of emotional health, mainly to avoid greater ailments.
“Loneliness affects the immune system, enhances depression and is closely related to suicide attempts. Therefore, it is urgent to promote human ties,” recommended Rojas Estapé.
The scenario for Latinos in the US
In the Latino community, the feeling of loneliness can be intensified due to cultural and language barriers. “In addition, many Latinos face the nostalgia of not being able to be with their loved ones in their countries of origin, and this generates an emotional void that can be difficult to fill,” said the APA spokesperson.
A situation in which older adults are also particularly vulnerable at this time, especially when the family is far away, since most of them do not have access to the latest technology tools or simply do not know how to use them.
“Generational disconnection and lack of technological adaptation often exclude them from virtual meetings or more modern social interactions,” Miskimen-Rivera stressed.
37% of Latinos surveyed cited family dynamics as a stress factor during the holidays. Discussions about politics and current affairs are also a concern, with 30% of Democrats and 21% of Republicans expressing fear of these conversations.
“It is important to remember that it is not always necessary to win a debate or resolve old family conflicts over a Christmas dinner,” advised Dr. Marian Rojas Estapé. “The key is to find points of connection and avoid topics that generate tension.”
For her part, Dr. Miskimen-Rivera adds that “stereotypes and cultural expectations can pressure family members to conform to certain norms, which often intensifies intergenerational conflicts.”
How to face the holidays?
Both specialists agree that there are strategies to deal with the stress generated by the Christmas holidays.
- Set a budget: “Planning a budget and following it to the letter prevents additional financial worries,” Miskimen-Rivera suggested.
- Maintain healthy routines: Sleeping well, exercising and spending time on self-care are essential. “Sleep is the best vaccine for emotional health,” said Rojas Estapé.
- Find support: “If grief or anxiety becomes intolerable, seek professional help,” Miskimen-Rivera recommended. Resources such as the 988 suicide prevention hotline in the United States offer free and confidential support.
- Foster connection: “Let's not leave anyone alone at Christmas. Creating welcoming spaces can make a difference,” said Dr. Rojas Estapé.
- Practice gratitude: Focusing on the positive and expressing gratitude can relieve stress. “Even if it's a difficult time, there is always something to be grateful for,” Miskimen-Rivera said.
- Limit the use of technology: “Disconnecting from social media during the holidays can help reduce anxiety about social comparisons and foster a more genuine connection with loved ones,” insisted Rojas Estapé.
- Plan time for yourself: “Taking a few minutes a day to meditate, reflect, or simply breathe deeply can be key to managing stress,” suggested Dr. Miskimen-Rivera.
Despite these challenges, part of the Latino community in the US also finds reasons to celebrate. 33% of respondents mentioned they enjoy spending time with their families, and 24% look forward to holiday meals.
Many Hispanics have incorporated culinary traditions and customs brought from their countries to the festivities, so for many it also means an opportunity to reunite and celebrate their origins.