Depression and Anxiety Worsen for 76% of Sufferers Around Holidays

Results of a poll released by the Canadian Mental Health Association shows the holiday season taking quite a toll on mental health with the general population citing "added social pressure, financial stress, raised holiday expectations, an increased feeling of loneliness, increased family interaction and the 'commercialization of the winter holiday season'" as reasons for feeling stressed out or anxious. Worse yet, 76.6 percent of people with a history of anxiety or depression problems reported that symptoms return or worsen at this time of the year.

On a more positive note, the poll also showed that among those who pursued additional strategies with deal with stress, two-thirds of respondents reduced holiday stress by setting aside time for themselves. More than 70 percent of these individuals also reported that it is now more socially acceptable to use antidepressants than five years ago.

Read more: MENTAL HEALTH STUDY SHOWS CANADIANS NEED A BREAK FROM THEIR CHRISTMAS BREAK