As the winter holidays approach, mental health experts are emphasizing the role of religious traditions in helping individuals cope with the holiday blues. Faith-based communities, through a variety of activities and services, provide support for those struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, and loneliness during this emotionally challenging season.
In a May 2023 advisory, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy highlighted loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection as critical public health issues facing the country. He cited religious or faith-based groups as pivotal in addressing these challenges, noting that such groups offer regular social contact, a sense of belonging, and support for individuals facing mental health struggles.
“Religious or faith-based groups can create meaning and purpose, connect individuals to shared values, and reduce risk-taking behaviors,” Murthy said in his advisory. “They serve as a valuable source of community and support.”
The Holidays and Mental Health Challenges
For many, the winter holidays amplify mental health struggles. According to a poll by the American Psychological Association, 41% of U.S. adults report increased stress during the holiday season. Additionally, the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that 64% of individuals living with a mental health condition experience worsened symptoms around this time of year.
Dr. Lisa Miller, a psychology professor at Columbia University’s Teachers College, describes the winter holiday period as the “Sabbath of the year,” a time when spirituality can serve as a powerful antidote to rising rates of despair-related illnesses like alcoholism, drug use, and suicide. Miller emphasizes that the holidays offer an opportunity for individuals to engage in relational spirituality, supporting one another with love, care, and guidance.
“During the holidays, we are practicing relational spirituality,” said Miller. “We are showing up for one another, being loving and supportive, and ensuring that no one feels alone.”
Faith Communities Offer Crucial Mental Health Support
Faith communities play a crucial role in providing mental health support, especially during the holiday season. Miller points to the activities of houses of worship—such as food drives, carol services, and community gatherings—as essential for offering individuals a sense of connection and belonging. These events can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide a safe space for people to express their emotions and receive support.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness also underscores the positive impact of religion and spirituality on mental health. While religion provides structure, belief systems, and a sense of community, spirituality offers a broader connection to something greater, aiding in self-reflection and emotional healing. Research on the link between religiosity and health outcomes has been mixed, but a 2019 Pew Research study found that one-third of actively religious adults report being “very happy,” compared to just a quarter of religiously inactive or unaffiliated Americans.
Religious Support Eases Holiday Stress
Rev. Sarah Lund, Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice at the United Church of Christ, emphasizes the mental health benefits of community and shared spiritual practices. She highlights how regular religious gatherings, where individuals come together to worship, pray, and build relationships, offer a critical source of support, especially for those struggling with grief, loss, or mental health challenges during the holidays.
For many congregations, “Blue Christmas” services—designed to honor those grieving or experiencing loss—offer an opportunity for people to gather in solidarity. Lund advocates for year-round support from faith communities, particularly for those affected by mental illness, grief, or disability.
“The holidays often bring a sense of emotional letdown afterward,” Lund said. “As people of faith, we have a responsibility to continue supporting mental health and inclusion throughout the year, not just during the holidays.”
Student Activities Provide Relief and Community Engagement
For students, the holiday season can be both a time of relief after exams and a source of stress. Ginger Morgan, Director of Candid and Community Initiatives at Pres House, a Presbyterian church on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, notes that while some students may not observe Christian holidays, the break offers a time for communal activities and relaxation.
Morgan says students engage in a variety of activities at Pres House, such as choir participation and decorating Christmas cookies, which offer a joyful reprieve from the pressures of academic life.
“Even though students are facing an exhausting end to the semester, holiday activities like decorating cookies bring lightness and joy to their lives,” Morgan said.
Spirituality as a Protective Factor for Mental Health
Dr. Lisa Miller argues that spirituality, whether through religious practices or personal belief, offers protective benefits against mental health challenges, including depression, addiction, and even suicide. She points to research showing that a strong spiritual life can significantly enhance resilience and emotional well-being.
“A robust spiritual life is more protective against addiction, depression, and suicide than any other factor known to the social or medical sciences,” Miller said. “Research consistently shows that spirituality offers a pathway forward for those seeking healing and connection in difficult times.”
As the holidays unfold, mental health experts and faith leaders alike encourage individuals to engage in spiritual practices and connect with their faith communities. For many, these traditions provide not just solace, but also the strength to face the emotional challenges of the season and beyond.
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