While the festive season is traditionally associated with celebration and joy, a new survey shows that many South Africans experience the period very differently, with some struggling to cope emotionally, financially and psychologically.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has released the findings of its 2025 Festive Feelings Study, highlighting widespread stress, anxiety and emotional exhaustion during the holiday season.
The study gathered 2 095 valid responses from South Africans aged 18 to 65 and older, with most participants based in Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Respondents came from diverse backgrounds, including employed, unemployed and self-employed individuals and students.
According to SADAG, the festive period often intensifies existing pressures, including financial strain, family conflict, loneliness and the emotional burden of an exceptionally demanding year.
Dr Bronwyn Dworzanowski-Venter, who contributed to the study, says the findings show that people experience the festive season in vastly different ways.
“Some people are thriving and enjoying the holidays despite challenges. Others are surviving, feeling overwhelmed by financial pressures, family responsibilities or personal difficulties. A significant group, particularly men, feel disconnected, often due to unemployment or financial strain, which can lead to loneliness and isolation,” Dworzanowski-Venter explains.
The survey revealed that:
• 73% of respondents worry about making financial ends meet in January, making it the most common festive-season stressor.
• 69% feel anxious about not having enough money to support or spoil loved ones in December.
• Nearly 47% reported feeling tired for no clear reason most or all of the time, while 36% said everything felt like an effort.
• 31% felt depressed, hopeless or nervous most or all of the time, pointing to significant psychological strain.
• 45% reported feeling very lonely during previous festive seasons.
• 54% have never been professionally diagnosed with a mental health condition, despite showing high levels of distress.
• 51% plan to cope by prioritising sleep, while 39% rely on walking and 32% cancel plans to rest.
• 58% reported starting the new year already exhausted, highlighting the cumulative emotional toll of the festive period.
The study also highlighted gender differences, with 85% of respondents being women and 14% men. Dworzanowski-Venter notes that men often disengage emotionally and may struggle more with conditions such as depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder, while women frequently report loneliness even when surrounded by people, as well as heightened concerns around safety and caregiving responsibilities.
“Both men and women share common anxieties around money and providing for their children,” she adds.
Interestingly, the study found that 46% of participants who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition reported feeling less stressed than those who have never sought professional help, underscoring the importance of accessing mental health support.
“The findings show that happiness is not only linked to financial resources. Even individuals in poorer communities can still find moments of joy during the festive season,” says Dworzanowski-Venter.
Occupational therapists have also raised concerns about increased impulsive behaviour during the festive period, particularly around substance use.
Mahlatse Mothogoane, an occupational therapist at Netcare Akeso Parktown, says the end-of-year period can heighten the risk of substance misuse.
“After a stressful year, many people want to reward themselves and unwind. However, this can increase the risk of substance use, especially when people are coping with difficult emotions such as sadness, anger, loneliness or boredom,” she explains.
Mothogoane adds that mental health challenges and addiction are often closely linked, making prevention especially important during this time.
Fellow occupational therapist Ariska Singh, also from Netcare Akeso Parktown, notes that alcohol consumption often increases during festive gatherings.
“Alcohol is frequently seen as an acceptable or even expected part of year-end celebrations. Social pressure and constant exposure can increase the temptation to engage in impulsive and risky behaviours,” Singh says.
She also points out that the disruption of daily routines during the holidays can contribute to impulsivity.
“Work provides structure and without it, individuals may experience boredom, which can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms,” she adds.
Saturday Star