Mental health experts are highlighting the particular challenges that depression poses during the holiday season, pointing to the significant gap between existing treatments and the persistent symptoms many patients experience despite medical intervention. For millions of Americans, the cultural expectation of holiday joy contrasts sharply with the reality of managing a serious mental health condition.
Scale of Depression During Holidays
Nearly 22 million adults in the United States suffer from major depressive disorder, making it a widespread public health concern. Research from Johnson and Johnson states two in three people living with the disorder continue to experience residual symptoms despite treatment. Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability, affecting a person’s thoughts, feelings and actions. The holiday season, with its increased social demands and expectations, presents particular challenges for those managing this condition year-round.
Treatment Limitations
According to board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner Amy Belnap, the disorder prevents people from enjoying things they used to enjoy and participating in activities they once engaged in. Treatment typically begins with an oral antidepressant, but Belnap noted that “for two out of three people, they still experience breakthrough symptoms, these return of depression symptoms.” This gap in effectiveness is driving continued research into new treatment options and alternative interventions.
Call for Action
Belnap emphasized the importance of seeking professional help, saying “it is so important that we continue to research, study, learn and come up with new and differentiated treatments that can help manage these breakthrough symptoms.” The expert stressed that managing depression effectively requires ongoing innovation in treatment approaches and commitment from both researchers and clinicians. For those concerned about depression, experts recommend getting in touch with a health care provider to have an open and honest conversation about symptoms and treatment options, particularly during periods of elevated stress like the holidays when depression symptoms may become more pronounced.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.live5news.com/2025/12/25/mental-health-experts-highlight-depression-treatment-challenges-during-holidays/