61% of Americans Will Feel Sad or Lonely This Holiday Season, and 37% Wish They Could Skip It Altogether

'Tis the season for holiday cheer, but many Americans may expect the opposite.

According to the latest ValuePenguin survey of over 2,000 U.S. consumers, 61% think they’ll experience feelings of loneliness or sadness and 67% expect to feel anxious or stressed during the holidays this year.

We unwrap which demographics struggle the most with holiday blues, which coping mechanisms struggling Americans rely on most and who’s most likely to consider therapy. Additionally, stick around for tips on finding affordable therapy options.

Key findings

Majority of Americans expect to feel holiday blues

Though Santa’s on his way, most Americans expect a visit from the Grinch this year. As the holiday season approaches, 61% of Americans think they’ll experience feelings of loneliness or sadness. That’s an increase from 55% in 2021, when we last conducted this survey. This comes as nearly a quarter (24%) of this year’s respondents say they’ll feel more lonely or sad this year than last year.

By age group, Gen Zers ages 18 to 26 are the most likely to expect the holiday blues, at 73%. That’s followed by:

Those with kids younger than 18 (69%) are more likely to expect feelings of sadness or loneliness than those without children (61%) and those with children older than 18 (52%). Additionally, women (63%) are more likely to share this sentiment than men (58%).

When asked what’s contributing to these feelings, 43% of those expecting the holiday blues say they’re grieving the loss of a loved one — the most common response. Following that, 39% say not being around loved ones contributes to their holiday blues and 37% struggle with seasonal depression. Other causes of holiday sadness or loneliness are:

While the increase in the rate of Americans experiencing loneliness and sadness over the holidays doesn’t surprise ValuePenguin health insurance expert Divya Sangameshwar, the steepness of the increase does.

It’s not just the blues affecting Americans during the season of holiday cheer. In fact, 67% expect to feel anxious or stressed during the holidays. Those with children younger than 18 (79%) are the most likely to expect these feelings, followed by Gen Zers (76%), millennials (74%) and those earning between $50,000 and $74,999 (72%). Women (70%) are more likely to expect feelings of anxiousness and stress than men (64%).

What contributes to these feelings? Among this group, 38% attribute financial struggles to their holiday anxiety or stress. Following that, grieving the loss of a loved one (35%) and seasonal depression (31%) are the other top reasons for anxiety or stress. Other responses include:

Regardless of whether they expect to struggle with feelings of sadness, loneliness, anxiety or stress, 67% of those affected by the holiday say their feelings are due partly to societal or cultural expectations. That’s especially true among Gen Zers (74%), those with children younger than 18 (72%) and millennials (71%).

Meanwhile, 49% of this group say they don’t believe their feelings are acknowledged by others, led by Gen Xers (58%), those making less than $35,000 a year (54%) and those without children (54%). Notably, women (53%) are significantly more likely to say this than men (44%).

37% would skip the holidays if they could

With many Americans struggling to cope during the holiday season, it may not be surprising that some wish they didn’t hear sleigh bells ringing. Across all Americans, nearly 2 in 5 (37%) say they would skip the holidays altogether if they could. Those earning between $35,000 and $49,999 (42%), divorced Americans (42%) and those with children younger than 18 (41%) are the most likely to feel this way.

By age group, Gen Xers (41%) are the most likely to say they’d skip the holidays if they could, followed by millennials (40%).

On the other hand, some Americans are ensuring the holidays are a blur by self-medicating. Across all Americans, 22% grapple with substance abuse over the holidays, leading with Gen Zers (37%), those with children younger than 18 (35%) and millennials (32%). Men (28%) are much more likely to struggle with substances during the holidays than women (17%).

When asked why they struggle with substances, 29% say they’re more likely to party during this time of year — the most common response. Not far behind, 28% say it’s because they’re more depressed. Other responses include:

For many, therapy offers respite this holiday season

Mistletoe may bring kisses, but therapy can bring mental blissmas — at least for the 44% of Americans who’ve looked into seeing a therapist in the past year. To break that down:

Gen Zers (66%), those with children younger than 18 (61%) and millennials (58%) are the most likely to have looked into seeing a therapist in the past year.

Regardless of whether they’re exploring therapy, 64% of Americans are satisfied with their health insurance’s coverage for therapy.

Among the 24% who are unsatisfied, 58% prefer lower copays — the most common response. Following that, 34% wish they had more in-network providers and 33% wish they had better coverage for virtual sessions.

With such a high rate of Americans struggling to cope with the holidays, Sangameshwar encourages more Americans to explore therapy.

"Experiencing low spirits during a time celebrated for its happiness can intensify negative feelings about yourself," she says. "You might feel ungrateful, disrespectful, unappreciative or believe something is ‘wrong’ with you. Expressing those feelings in conversation with a therapist will help you to understand that what you’re going through isn’t something to be swept under the rug, and that those feelings are valid. A therapist will also give you the tools and strategies to cope with your holiday stressors."

Transforming ‘bah humbug’ into ‘ho-ho-hope’: How Americans are coping with the holidays

Of course, therapy isn’t the only way Americans can improve their mental state during the holiday season. To help manage their mental health during this time of year, 36% of Americans say they’re actively maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, tying with regularly connecting with friends and/or family (36%) as the most popular support methods.

Sangameshwar says having a support plan is crucial this time of year — regardless of whether you struggle with the season.

"Healthy habits like these serve as a reminder to everyone struggling with holiday stress and loneliness to embrace the ‘me’ in merry and put their own mental and physical well-being first," she says. "Even with a busier schedule than usual, making room for self-care (such as taking a walk, listening to music or indulging in a relaxing bath) can be your best defense against feeling overwhelmed and be the key to enjoying the holiday season."

Separately, 53% say they at least plan to cut back on their social media over the holidays. And 19% plan to get off social media entirely for a bit. Overall, those with children younger than 18 (66%), Gen Zers (65%) and millennials (63%) are the most likely to at least cut back.

Overcoming financial hurdles to therapy: Top expert tips

It’s common to struggle with negative feelings during the holiday season, but therapy may offer some support. For those considering therapy but struggling to afford it, Sangameshwar offers the following advice: