Behavioral Health, Telehealth

Fast Pace Behavioral Health Shares Strategies for Coping with Holiday Stress

Franklin, TN — December 1, 2025 — As the holiday season approaches, many individuals experience increased stress driven by a range of challenges such as financial strain, family expectations, and social obligations. The Fast Pace Behavioral Health team is raising awareness about these challenges and offering practical strategies to help communities better navigate holiday pressures.

While the holidays are joyous for many, they can heighten anxiety and emotional strain for others. Factors such as gift-giving expenses, complex family dynamics, and busy social calendars can contribute to feelings of overwhelm. Our Behavioral Health team emphasizes the importance of planning, setting boundaries, practicing financial mindfulness, and investing in one’s self-care to help reduce these stressors.

Understanding your triggers and preparing ahead of time can help with managing holiday stress. Social anxiety, financial worries, and the expectation of a “perfect” holiday are a few factors that may lead to emotional overload. The following simple approaches can serve as a starting point and may provide meaningful relief:

setting a budget for gifts,
using grounding techniques, such as deep breathing,
taking breaks as needed during social gatherings,
setting realistic expectations,
leaning on supportive peers, and
reaching out for help when needed

(National Institutes of Health)

In addition, it is important to prioritize personal well-being, maintain healthy habits, and connect with supportive people during the holiday season. Practical ways of doing so can include acknowledging your feelings, communicating openly with family members, and creating realistic holiday plans that honor your own emotional and financial boundaries.

(Mayo Clinic and the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)

“Holiday stress is extremely common, and it’s important for people to know that they’re not alone,” said Nikita Duke, DNP, PMHNP-BC, VP of Operations—Fast Pace Behavioral Health. “By offering practical, scientifically informed strategies, we aim to help our communities approach the season with more peace, confidence, and balance.“

The Fast Pace Behavioral Health team encourages individuals to seek support when needed, whether through healthcare providers, counseling services, or community resources. With the right tools and awareness, it is possible for the holidays to become more manageable and even more meaningful.

About Fast Pace Health

Fast Pace Health is a trusted healthcare provider committed to delivering accessible, high-quality medical and behavioral health services across Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Indiana, Arkansas, and North Carolina. Guided by an unwavering focus on patient care, the organization continues to broaden its reach, enhance access to services, and create meaningful, lasting impacts in the lives of individuals and families in underserved communities.

Contact:
Christopher Craig
Senior Director of Marketing Strategy
marketing@fastpacehealth.com

Sources & References:

National Institutes of Health – Holiday Resilience Guide

Mayo Clinic — Tips for Taking Control of the Holidays So They Don’t Take Control of You

Headington Institute — Managing Stress During the Holiday Season: A Practical Guide

DBSA — Holiday Stress Toolkit