Holiday stressors hit women the hardest, experts say

It’s the moms.
They’re among the most affected demographic when it comes to experiencing holiday stress, said Rachael Finstuen, site director of Fernbrook Family Center in Dodge County.
“I did see some research saying there’s a higher percentage of mothers, or women, who take on planning or prepping for the holidays,” she said. “Women take care of the Christmas shopping. Women have high expectations and that makes them predisposed to holiday stress.”
Finstuen said some people stress about getting the perfect gifts, while others worry that they have too many family gatherings to attend. Or there’s a looming conflict with a relative they’re seeing.
Upwards of 40 to 50 percent of people are affected by holiday stress.
“It’s a large amount of people,” Finstuen said. “Some people are better at hiding or concealing it. But it impacts everybody a little bit.”
“A big thing you see is increases in depression and anxiety, whether it’s seasonal or it could be related to some loss or trauma,” she said. “Or it’s a family event where I’m going to see someone with whom I don’t get along. Depression and anxiety is what you see first. You see people getting reactive or angry or people withdrawing or isolating a little bit more.”
There are methods for coping with holiday stress, however. Maintain health habits such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy and exercising, Finstuen said. It’s important to maintain those healthy coping mechanisms during a time of heightened stress, she said.
You should also acknowledge that you can’t give to everyone. Finstuen suggests selecting what’s most important and meaningful and then letting the rest go.
“Everyone wants the perfect meal or the perfect gift,” she said. “Perfect is very subjective and by saying this is what I want, you set yourself up to be disappointed.”
“Typically there’s a wrench somewhere in every holiday plan.”
She said she sees increased depression, sadness and feelings of hopelessness around the holidays.
“Find ways to find happiness and reflect on the year,” she said. “It’s really important people listen to themselves and take care of themselves.”