Festive season can take its toll on mental health, warn leading UAE psychologists

Festive season can take its toll on mental health, warn leading UAE psychologists

- 2021 saw a 20% increase in enquiries related to stress compared to the average for the rest of the year

- On the positive side, the lack of pandemic restrictions will make many of us far more appreciative of quality family time

Agitation, irritation, low mood, reduced levels of enjoyment, feelings of despair and guilt, and changes in sleep and eating patterns – these are just some of the warning signs that could point towards festive stress and canxiety, according to a leading UAE psychologist.

Family friction, grievances and jealousy can be common triggers at this time of year and many in the UAE may already be feeling the pressure. “The festive season can be particularly stressful due to the unrealistic expectations of coming together as a happy family at this time of the year,” says Dr Shweta Misra, Clinical Psychologist at the Priory Wellbeing Centre in Dubai.

“The expense of gifts and food, the pressure of shopping and the expectations of the season generally can make it a stressful time. One reason we can lose perspective during the festive season with unrestrained buying of gifts, is that we don’t quite know how to put our love into words”.

“For expatriates who find themselves