How to Manage Your Anxiety During the Holidays

For many of us, the holiday season brings added responsibilities, obligations, and the unspoken pressure of perfection. “The most wonderful time of the year” can be an especially anxious time for those with high-functioning anxiety.

“High-functioning anxiety refers to someone who appears to be managing their life very well and have everything put together, however, they still suffer from excessive worry, stress, and at times obsessive thoughts,” Dr. Amelia Kelley, a trauma-informed therapist and co-author of What I Wish I Knew: Surviving and Thriving After an Abusive Relationship, explains to Lifehacker. “The holidays can worsen anxiety especially for those who appear high-functioning on the outside because of the number of expectations and obligations that occur during the holidays [particularly when it comes to socializing and showing up for other people].”

How to Manage Your Anxiety During the Holidays