South African Depression and Anxiety Group reveals the stark reality of the festive season for many South Africans.
The organisation will remain open throughout the festive season for those in need of help. If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, reach out to Sadag on 0800 456 789 or 0800 567 567.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has released the results of its 2025 Festive Feeling Study, showing how South Africans feel during the holiday season.
The study collected 2 095 valid responses from people aged 18-65+ across the country, with most respondents from Gauteng, Western Cape, and KZN. People from different backgrounds took part, including employed, unemployed, self-employed, and students.
Read more: Ways to fight off depression and find happiness
According to Dr Bronwyn Dworzanowski-Venter, the study shows that people experience the festive season in very different ways, “Some are thriving, enjoying the holidays despite challenges. Some are surviving, feeling stressed about money, family responsibilities, or personal problems. Some, mostly men, feel disconnected, often due to unemployment or financial pressure, which can lead to loneliness and isolation.”
Key findings from the survey:
- 73% of respondents worry about making ends meet in January – the most common festive season stressor.
- 69% feel anxious about not having enough money to spoil or support loved ones this December.
- Nearly 1 in 2 (47%) felt tired for no good reason most or all of the time, and 36% said everything felt like an effort.
- 31% felt depressed, hopeless, and nervous most or all of the time, indicating widespread psychological strain.
- 45% reported being very lonely during previous festive seasons.
- 54% have never been professionally diagnosed with a mental health condition, yet distress indicators remain high.
- 51% plan to cope by prioritising sleep, while 39% rely on going for walks and 32% by cancelling plans to rest.
- Past festive behaviours show that 58% start the new year already exhausted, highlighting the cumulative emotional load.
“The study also found differences between men (14%) and women (85%), with men often disconnecting more and struggling with conditions like OCD or depression, more than women. Women may feel lonely even when surrounded by people and worry about safety and taking care of their family. Both men and women worry about money and providing for their children,” said Dworzanowski-Venter.
Also read: Teen depression: A parents guide
Forty-six percent of the participants have been diagnosed with mental health conditions, and reported feeling less stressed than those who haven’t been diagnosed, showing the importance of talking to a professional. Many people also worry about money in January, especially those with children. The study shows that happiness is not just about money; people in poorer communities can still enjoy the festive season.
“Our Sadag Helplines will remain open throughout the festive season, as they do every year. We want everyone to know that help is just a phone call away. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness, and our helpline is here to ensure that no one has to face these challenges alone. Whether it’s a small concern or a deep struggle, we are ready to listen, support, and guide every caller through the festive season,” said Sadag call centre manager, Tracy Feinstein.
Details: Free telephonic counselling helplines: 0800 456 789 or 0800 567 567, available 24/7, SMS 31393, or WhatsApp 087 163 2030 (available Monday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm).
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
