Americans are experiencing high levels of anxiety heading into the holiday season due to the economy and medical neglect
Latinos maintain high levels of stress related mainly to socioeconomic issues, loneliness, and the growing wave of deportations
Recent data from the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) Healthy Minds Poll indicates that 41% of Americans anticipate increased stress during the upcoming holiday season, a significant increase from 28% of last year and 29% in 2023.
Young adults, particularly those among 18 and 34 years old, report the highest levels of anticipated stress, at 49%.
Latino adults are not immune to this situation, with their anxiety levels increasing this year, related to various socioeconomic issues and the growing wave of deportations.
Population Impact
More than half of Latinos (52%) express significant concern about a possible government shutdown, while 47% express worry about the economy. Other factors causing anxiety include immigration enforcement (46%), gun violence (44%), and access to healthcare (42%).
In quick data, 41% of US adults anticipate more stress this season, with the economy remaining the biggest source of anxiety. While concerns about finances are also increasing among Latinos, in addition to grief, loneliness, and deportations.
These results come from the APA Healthy Minds Poll conducted by Morning Consult from November 4-5, 2025, among 2,203 adults in the US, which includes a subgroup of 394 Latino adults.
The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country, with more than 39,200 member physicians specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illness.
Holidays as a Release
However, many say that the holidays can improve their mental health thanks to the connection with family and traditions. They see this holiday season as having a positive impact, compared to recent years (44% in 2025 vs. 38% in 2024 and 2023). Only one in five (21%) say the holidays negatively affect their mental health. Looking ahead to the holidays, half of Latino adults (50%) anticipate more stress than last year,driven primarily by the lingering fear of deportation. What are they most looking forward to? Looking ahead to these celebrations, Americans are most looking forward to seeing family and friends (61%), enjoying good food (53%), and giving and receiving gifts (31%). Nearly a quarter of adults said they were looking forward to decorating their homes, preparing festive meals, and having some free time. Among holiday-related concerns, nearly half of adults (48%) said they were worried about missing someone or grief, and 46% expressed concern about being able to afford or find gifts. Nearly one in three said they were worried, challenging about family dynamics (32%) or feeling lonely (31%).
“While many people enjoy the holidays, this time of year can bring intense emotions and stress, driven by financial issues, family relationships, and grief,” said APA President Theresa Miskimen Rivera, MD.
“In times of stress, the best gift we can give ourselves, our friends, and our families is simply to be present,” she recommended.
Managing Stress During the Holidays
The most effective strategies for managing stress during the holidays include:
These recommendations help improve physical, emotional, and social well-being and allow you to enjoy the festive season more without feeling overwhelmed.
The holidays can even be an opportunity for emotional healing rather than a trigger for stress if approached with the intention of introspection, forgiveness, and reconnecting with personal values ????and others.
This approach allows for emotional respite and reduces anxiety, transforming the experience into a space of meaning and well-being.