South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) says financial strain remains a major driver of stress for many South Africans during the festive season, with new figures pointing to its growing impact on mental health.
According to SADAG’s Festive Feelings Survey, 21% of South Africans report experiencing heightened stress over the holiday period. The findings also show that, in previous surveys, 73% of respondents said they were worried about making ends meet in January after festive season spending.
Mental health experts say the figures highlight how economic pressures continue to weigh heavily on households, particularly as the cost of living rises.
SADAG researcher Dr Bronwyn Dworzanowski Venter said stress during the festive period is experienced differently across gender and class lines.
“We see that stress is deeply classed and gendered,” she said. “Women, across the board, are extremely overwhelmed. They are worried about money, employment status and financial security, but also about the cost of connection.”
She explained that many women feel pressure to manage multiple responsibilities at once during the festive season.
“They feel overwhelmed by having to be everywhere, attend all the activities and meet expectations at the same time,” Dworzanowski Venter said.
By contrast, she noted that men tend to experience festive season stress more directly through financial pressure.
“For many male respondents, the stress manifests in feeling that they simply cannot afford to contribute financially during the season,” she said. “That sense of not being able to meet expectations becomes a significant source of distress.”
SADAG has urged South Africans to acknowledge the emotional impact of financial stress and to seek support where possible, stressing that open conversations about mental health are especially important during the festive period.
–ChannelAfrica–
