Not just for times of crisis: Mental-health care and the holidays

Imagine yourself sitting at the holiday table on Sukkot eve. The candles are lit, familiar scents of cooking fill the air, family gathers around the table. Smiles decorate the faces, everything seems perfect.

But while everyone is happy and celebrating, you feel as if you are watching a movie through a screen. Physically present, yet emotionally distant.

For many of us, the holiday season brings a sense of renewal, self-reflection, and togetherness. Yet alongside the opportunity for connection, this season can also be burdened with mental health challenges. For those coping with depression, anxiety, or post-trauma, these days can intensify feelings of loneliness, stress, or emotional instability.

The combination of high expectations for the holidays and the extended family gatherings can create emotional strain. Those struggling with mental health may feel pressured to “be happy,” deepening the gap between how they appear on the outside and what they actually feel inside. For some, this can worsen symptoms such as insomnia, low energy, or intrusive thoughts. Others may withdraw from their surroundings or feel detached precisely in moments meant to bring closeness.

Families and loved ones also face difficulties. Feelings of helplessness, the desire to protect, and uncertainty about what is truly the right thing to do can weigh heavily. Often, loved ones hesitate to ask direct questions out of fear of “triggering,” but gentle attention and open conversation can provide an important anchor.

It is also important to remember that the holiday season in Israel unfolds against a backdrop of security and economic tension. Health clinics have reported a sharp rise in diagnoses of anxiety and post-trauma over the past year. For those carrying painful memories or trauma, prayers, sounds, or even familiar smells can resurface difficult experiences.

So, what can be done? First and foremost, acknowledge that the struggle is real and legitimate. This is a crucial first step for both those coping with challenges and for their loved ones. It is recommended to integrate self-soothing techniques such as deep breathing, light physical activities, or creating moments of quiet. Open conversations with family members can ease feelings of isolation, and sometimes it is equally important to set boundaries — participation in every family gathering is not mandatory.

The holidays are a good reminder: mental health care is not only for times of crisis. Preventive care in mental health parallels that in physical health: the earlier the intervention, the greater the reduction in suffering and the better the chance of preventing deterioration. Seeking early support from a professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor — can help us feel better, faster.

At Taliaz, we see the importance of combining technology and science with personalized care. Our technological innovation allows us to gain a broader understanding of each patient’s unique background, surroundings and biology, helping guide more accurate treatment decisions. This integration of personal and professional, of science and technology, is our way of ensuring that every person feels seen, beyond the symptoms that are visible on the surface, both during the holidays and throughout the year.

The central message is this: especially in emotionally charged times like the holidays, connection, conversation, and seeking help can make the difference between painful isolation and a shared journey that enables resilience and growth.