2026 Holiday Mental Health Report: Loneliness and Pressure to Appear Happy Are Rising

Holiday loneliness is rising

Being surrounded by family and friends doesn’t necessarily protect against feelings of loneliness. Three in 5 Americans (60%) report feeling lonely during the holidays, even when surrounded by loved ones, compared with 51% in 2025.

At the same time, the pressure to put on a happy face is increasing. Eighty percent say they feel pressure to appear happier than they really are during the holidays, up from 69% last year.

For parents, making the holidays happen can come at the expense of their own well-being

The work behind the holidays can add another layer of stress for parents. Among parents with children ages 25 and younger living in their household, 91% say they carry the holiday mental load, including remembering, planning, coordinating and keeping track of details.

Nearly half (46%) of parents say they deprioritize their mental health during the holidays, while 63% report needing additional mental health support this time of year. Further, 87% say they feel pressure to appear happier than they actually are.

Women are carrying more of the holiday mental load

More than half of women (55%) strongly agree that they carry the mental load of the holidays in their household, compared with 37% of men. Men are more than twice as likely to strongly disagree that they carry the mental load (15% compared with 7%).

As women prioritize creating joy for others, nearly half (46%) deprioritize both their physical and mental health during busy or stressful times like the holidays, compared with 35% of men.

A majority of women (81%) report feeling pressure to appear happier than they actually are.

Adults ages 25 to 34 report the greatest need for mental health support

Compared with every other age group surveyed, adults ages 25 to 34 are the most likely to feel lonely during the holidays, even when surrounded by loved ones (85%); say they need additional mental health support before, during or after the holidays (75%); and deprioritize their mental health (31%).

Financial pressure is adding to holiday stress

For many Americans, holiday stress isn’t just about packed schedules or family dynamics. It’s also financial, as 82% experience heightened financial anxiety this time of year.

Roughly 1 in 5 (22%) say financial pressures are the most mentally exhausting part of the season, while 19% say finances are the topic most likely to trigger stress or anxiety if they come up at a holiday gathering.

Respondents reported post-holiday financial stress as the biggest negative impact (16%) on their mental health when transitioning from the holidays to the new year.

The holidays can bring conflicting emotions, and feeling lonely, anxious or sad during a season that’s often portrayed as universally joyful can make those emotions especially difficult to navigate. When those feelings persist, intensify or begin to interfere with daily life, talking with a licensed mental health professional can provide space to process them and develop practical, evidence-based strategies for managing them.

LifeStance clinicians provide personalized mental healthcare in person and online, with flexible scheduling options designed to make it easier to find support that fits into life. If you or someone you know could use additional support during the holidays, find a LifeStance clinician near you and schedule an appointment.

Looking for ways to feel more connected this holiday season? Try these holiday conversation starters to spark deeper conversations.

Methodology: The data is based on a survey conducted online by Dynata on behalf of LifeStance Health in October 2026. The survey analyzed responses from 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older.