Holiday Loneliness Is Rising: Clinicians Share How to Cope
Global reports have recently shown that loneliness is on the rise worldwide, reported across the UK, EU, Japan, Canada, Australia, the U.S., and other countries, despite the holiday festivities and gatherings.
According to the OECD’s 2025 Social Connections and Loneliness Report, up to 14% of people in member countries feel lonely most or all of the time. In the US, the “Stress in America 2025” report from the American Psychological Association shows that close to half of adults report feeling lonely, including feeling emotionally disconnected and social isolation.
“No matter the part of the world, holidays come with a lot of ‘shoulds’ and unrealistic social expectations of happiness and connectedness. But in reality, many people naturally struggle with those, and that doesn’t suddenly disappear during the end-of-year festivities,” explained Dr. Hannah Nearney, clinical psychiatrist and UK Medical Director at Flow Neuroscience, a company that developed brain stimulation treatment for depression.
Why are people feeling lonely? Some are experiencing distance from family and have strained relationships which can lead to loneliness and sometimes depression.
Aside from family stressors, financial hardship can amplify the feelings of loneliness as well. OECD adds that people typically facing financial stress, such as those unemployed or with low incomes, are nearly twice as likely to report feeling lonely.
“Stress can impair the functioning of the pre-frontal cortex, which is essentially the brain’s control centre for executive functioning. When that happens, it’s much harder to regulate emotions or make considered decisions, thus social cues can feel harsher. Small disconnections can feel bigger, strengthening the sense of isolation,” explained Dr. Nearney. “Financial stress is especially intense: it pushes the brain into survival mode, and social connections become much less of a priority.”
To those struggling with loneliness this holiday season, clinicians recommend fostering meaningful connections and supporting emotional well-being.
“Focus on nurturing relationships that you already have and set boundaries with difficult relatives. If you can’t meet loved ones in person, organize regular video calls. Also, small acts of kindness can help you feel more connected to your community: simply compliment someone or offer help with heavy bags,” said Dr. Garcha. “If you’re persistently struggling with stress or low mood, not just loneliness, consider seeking professional help. It can be psychotherapy, support groups, or clinician-guided mental health tools like brain stimulation.”
It’s important to prioritize your health, well-being, and set healthy boundaries instead of focusing on holiday expectations that may be unrealistic or overwhelming for you. Having a simple cup of coffee with a friend or hosting a video call with friends or family might make you feel more comfortable while on your own schedule and in a comfortable environment. These ideas offer little holiday expectation but serve high social value and can you leaving feeling fulfilled, happy and connected.
