Navigating the Festive Season: Supporting Young People’s Mental Health In The Lead-up To The Holidays

The holiday season often brings joy, celebration and a break from routine. For young people navigating mental health challenges, however, the period leading up to holidays can also bring pressure, loneliness, relationship strain and heightened expectations. With thoughts of connection, family, downtime and celebration swirling, it’s an ideal time to reflect on how we can support youth resilience and wellbeing.

In Australia, many young people report mixed feelings as the festive period approaches. For instance, the headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey found that nearly two-thirds of young people say they feel lonely or left out, and for some, the approach of holidays magnifies those feelings.

Family and friends are frequently cited as major protective factors (41 % of family members surveyed pointed to friends, 39 % to family in supporting young people’s mental health, which means strained family relationships or limited peer connection can increase vulnerability.

Furthermore, national data show that psychological distress among young Australians remains high: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that adolescents and young adults continue to experience elevated levels of poor mental health and that positive mental health (“flourishing”) is declining in recent years.

1. Start conversations early and keep them open
   Encourage young people to talk about what the holidays mean for them — what they hope for, what worries them, and how things might feel different this year. It is advised to discuss topics like money, alcohol, relationship dynamics or travel ahead of time helps set clearer expectations and reduces anxiety.
2. Rebuild routine and structure
   Holidays often disrupt the rhythms of school, work or social life. Where possible, keeping some semblance of routine (sleep hygiene, exercise, social connection) helps anchor wellbeing. Studies on holiday programs suggest structured activities in breaks can youth mental health support, social and emotional outcomes.
3. Prioritise connection but recognise boundaries
   Positive relationships with family and friends are protective, but when relationships are strained they can also become stressors. It’s helpful to identify safe, supportive people young people can turn to. The holiday season offers opportunities for meaningful connection — but it’s equally important to recognise when someone might feel excluded, overwhelmed or reluctant.
4. Encourage alternative ways to engage
   Not every young person will welcome large gatherings or festive bustle. Some may prefer smaller, quieter ways to connect — like a walk, a coffee catch-up, creative activity, or time with a trusted mentor. Encouraging self-care, mindfulness or gentle social interaction can make a difference.
5. Equip young people with realistic expectations and coping strategies
   The expectation that the holiday will be “perfect” often fuels disappointment. Young people benefit from guidance around budgeting, safe behaviours, realistic social media use, setting boundaries, and recognising when things might not drop into place as expected.

Through the Foundation’s support of Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm and other youth programs, young people can access evidence-based, nonjudgmental support to rebuild their lives and re-engage with education, employment and community.

These programs create environments where young people feel connected, safe and supported during vulnerable times like the festive season, or leaving residential rehabilitation. By providing this tailored youth-centred care — alongside local youth services, counselling lines and peer supports – we can ensure help is there when it’s needed most.

• Young people: Reach out to someone you trust and talk about how you’re feeling about the holidays – the good and the tricky. If you’re unsure what you want to do during the break, try making a flexible plan with some balance: connection, rest, fun and a little structure. You can also explore helpful tools and information on our resources page for guidance and support.
• Parents, carers, mentors: Ask what your young person is thinking about the holidays, what they might look forward to, and what they might worry about. Together you might set boundaries (social media, screen time, alcohol) and identify supportive plans (friend meet-ups, creative projects, quiet time).
• Educators and youth workers: Use the build-up to the holiday break as an opportunity for check-ins: how are young people feeling about the next few weeks, what supports could help them, what might trigger anxiety or loneliness? Encourage link-ups to youth programs, peer activities and community-based supports.
• Community and service providers: Consider targeted outreach in the holiday lead-up period, when the protective structures of school or regular routine may weaken. Flexible sessions, informal catch-ups, and peer-led activities can make a difference.

The festive season offers a chance for joy, reconnection and hope. But for many young people, it also brings loads of pressure and expectation. By starting early, keeping conversations open, linking supports and recognising that not every young person will navigate this time in the same way, we can help ensure the holidays become part of a supportive wellbeing journey — not a source of added risk.

As we support youth through this time, our funded programs make the difference: helping young people rebuild their lives, reconnect with community, and step into the new year with renewed hope and purpose.