By Carolina Lima | Published on Décember 4, 2025 | 3 min read
When we think
about Christmas or Easter, we imagine joy, family dinners, and cozy traditions.
Yet, for many individuals, this period can bring
unique psychological challenges. For mental health professionals,
these periods often raise a question: do holidays increase psychiatric
emergencies? Surprisingly, recent findings show the opposite. A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry titled
“Who is Afraid of Christmas? The Effect of Christmas and Easter Holidays on
Psychiatric Hospitalizations and Emergencies” provides valuable
insights on how festive periods affect mental health and psychiatric care.
Study overview
The
research analyzed 26,088 psychiatric hospitalizations recorded in
Switzerland, between 2012 and 2021 to determine whether major holiday
periods correspond to increased psychiatric emergencies. Surprisingly, the
results challenge the common belief that holidays increase psychiatric
emergencies. Instead, psychiatric admissions dropped during Christmas and
Easter compared to other times of the year. December consistently showed
the lowest admission rates, followed by a marked increase in January—a
phenomenon often referred to as the “post-holiday rebound.”
This temporal
pattern suggests that holidays may exert a temporary protective effect on
mental health. Social support and family presence during festive periods could
buffer against acute psychiatric crises. However, the post-holiday rebound
indicates that these benefits are short-lived, and stressors may resurface once
the celebrations end.
Possible explanations
Several factors may explain for this trend:
- Social support: holidays often involve family and community gatherings,
which increases the sense of belonging and connection and reduces feelings of
isolation and hopelessness—common triggers for crises.
- Delay in seeking care: some individuals may postpone hospitalization
to avoid disrupting celebrations or because services are limited.
- Structured routines: holiday traditions can provide a sense of emotional
stability and predictability, reducing psychological distress.
However,
this does not mean holidays are universally positive. For some, financial
strain, grief, and interpersonal conflicts can be exacerbated. Surveys
consistently show that a significant proportion of adults report increased
anxiety during the holiday season, driven by expectations and social pressures.
The post-holiday effect
The
sharp rise in admissions during January is clinically significant. After the
holidays, individuals face financial obligations, work-related stress, and the
emotional contrast between festive highs and routine life. For individuals with
mood disorders, this transition can be destabilizing. Mental health
professionals should anticipate this pattern and consider preventive
strategies, such as scheduling follow-up appointments or offering additional
support during early January.
Implications for mental health care
Understanding
these seasonal dynamics can help optimize psychiatric services:
- Plan
resources: hospitals can expect
lower demand during holidays but prepare for increased admissions afterward.
- Preventive
care: the study underscores
the importance of social connectedness; encourage patients to maintain
routines, manage expectations and seek long-term social connection during
festive periods.
- Watch
for isolation: not everyone has family
support—those alone during holidays may need proactive engagement to mitigate
potential crises. Identifying individuals at risk of isolation during these
periods remains critical.
Conclusion
The
holiday season is a complex time for mental health. This study really
challenges the idea that holidays are a peak time for psychiatric emergencies.
In fact, the data suggest the opposite likely thanks to social connection and
familiar routines. But that calm doesn’t last. The sharp rise in January
reminds us that symptoms often resurface once the celebrations end.
For
mental health professionals, this finding offers practical guidance. Preparing
for the post-holiday rebound and checking in with patients before and after
festive periods can make a real difference. Those facing loneliness or
financial stress may need extra support.
What
really stands out is how much context shapes mental health. For some, holidays
feel protective and comforting; for others, they can be overwhelming.
Recognizing these differences helps us move beyond assumptions and deliver care
that is proactive, compassionate, and adapted to real-life situations.
Read next: The Ketogenic Diet: A Recipe Against Depression?
About the Author – Carolina Lima
Anaesthesiology specialist
Carolina is a specialist in Anaesthesiology with a deep passion for learning and sharing medical knowledge. Dedicated to advancing the field, Dr. Lima strives to bring fresh, evidence-based insights to the medical community. Viewing medicine not merely as a profession but as a lifelong journey of continuous learning, Dr. Lima is committed to making complex information clear, practical, and useful for healthcare professionals around the world.
