The Pressure to Be “Okay” During the Holidays — Support for Albertans

The holiday season in Alberta can bring beautiful moments of connection, tradition, and reflection. And at the same time, it can carry a quiet pressure to appear happy, grateful, and “okay”—even when that’s not how you’re really feeling.

Between shorter days, winter weather, family gatherings, financial stress, and busy schedules, many Albertans find themselves emotionally stretched. If you’ve ever smiled through the season while feeling overwhelmed inside, you’re not alone.

Why the Pressure to Be Okay Feels Stronger at the Holidays

During the holidays, expectations often increase—both externally and internally. You may feel pressure to:

• Be cheerful and positive

• Keep the peace during family gatherings

• Feel grateful, even when you’re struggling

• Push through stress, grief, or exhaustion

• Avoid “rocking the boat”

  
  

When our inner experience doesn’t match what the holidays are supposed to look like, it can lead to guilt, shame, or a sense of isolation.

Emotions Are Not Good or Bad — They Are Information

One of the most supportive shifts we can make is letting go of the idea that emotions are positive or negative, good or bad.

Emotions simply are.

They act as guideposts, gently pointing us toward something that needs our attention. An emotion may be inviting you to explore:

• A thought pattern that’s creating stress

• A boundary that needs to be honoured

• A situation that requires care or change

• A need that hasn’t yet been acknowledged

  
  

Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?” we can begin asking,“What is this emotion trying to tell me?”

This perspective alone can soften the pressure to be okay.

What Happens When Emotions Are Pushed Aside

When emotions are judged or suppressed, they don’t disappear. Instead, they often show up in other ways, such as:

• Anxiety or irritability

• Emotional numbness

• Fatigue or burnout

• Trouble sleeping

• Feeling disconnected from yourself

  
  

Allowing emotions to be present—and exploring them with curiosity rather than judgment—can support emotional regulation and healing.

Gentle Ways to Ease Emotional Pressure During the Holidays

Here are a few supportive practices you can try during the holiday season:

1. Validate Your Experience

You can feel grateful and overwhelmed. More than one emotion can exist at the same time.

2. Practice Curious Self-Check-Ins

Instead of judging how you feel, try asking,“What might this emotion be showing me right now?”

3. Release the Need to Perform

You don’t owe anyone constant positivity. Showing up authentically is enough.

4. Ground Your Nervous System

Simple practices like slow breathing, journaling, meditation, or stepping outside—even briefly—can help your body settle.

5. Honour Your Capacity

It’s okay to say no, leave early, or take space when needed.

Therapy and Hypnotherapy Support for Albertans

If emotions feel overwhelming or persistent, therapy and hypnotherapy can offer meaningful support.

Therapy provides a safe, compassionate space to:

• Explore emotional patterns without judgment

• Understand the thoughts and situations influencing your moods

• Release guilt, people-pleasing, and perfectionism

• Build emotional resilience and self-trust

  
  

Hypnotherapy works at a deeper level by:

• Calming the nervous systemSupporting subconscious emotional healing

• Creating new patterns of ease and self-compassion

• Helping you feel more grounded and centred

  
  

Many people describe hypnotherapy as similar to deep meditation or the peaceful moments just before sleep.

Support Is Available Across Alberta

I offer virtual therapy and hypnotherapy sessions across Alberta, as well as in-person sessions in Airdrie. Many benefit providers cover counselling and hypnotherapy services.

You don’t have to pretend your way through the holidays.

Book a Complimentary 30-Minute Consultation

If you’re feeling the pressure to be okay and would like support navigating the holiday season with more ease and curiosity, I’m here.

Book your complimentary 30-minute consultation to explore therapy or hypnotherapy and discover what support feels right for you.

You don’t have to carry it alone.