Why I Encourage Patients to Seek Treatment Before the Holidays

Every year, as the holiday season approaches, I find myself having the same conversation with patients.

It starts with them asking, “Can I wait until after the holidays to come in for treatment?”

And every year, my answer is the same, “Come in before.”

As clinicians, we know why. The holidays are often fantasized to be a wonderful, even magical, time of year. For many, however, relationships with loved ones are complicated. They want and hope for memorable experiences, but it does not always materialize that way, leaving them feeling sad, anxious, or depressed.

Some people can tolerate this disappointment with grace, but for those already struggling with mental health symptoms or substance abuse, it can have drastic effects when the holidays do not turn out as they hoped and imagined.

When patients consider postponing residential treatment, rehab, or even a mood evaluation, I tell them there is no better time than right now. There’s a shared understanding that no one planned on being there, and that can soften the pressure and create an atmosphere of support. The days spent around the holidays in a mental health setting are quite lovely and can be inspiring in how to find recovery in the year ahead.

I remind patients that the holidays present unique risks, and it is very easy to make a compulsive or bad decision. Emotions run high. Alcohol and substances are everywhere. Even with the best intentions, the circumstances can overwhelm their ability to make the choices they planned at the beginning of the season, or even the beginning of the day. Entering care before the season starts can remove those triggers and provide a safe, structured environment.

As a psychiatrist, I know it can feel overwhelming to choose not to spend the holidays with loved ones, but that choice is often the most protective step patients can take for their mental health or concerns about substance use. Seeking treatment sets the stage for greater success.

When I talk with families about whether their loved one should enter treatment during the holidays, they invariably say yes. Patients often worry about disappointing their family by not being present, but getting treatment may be the greatest gift they can give them.