Scrolling Through the Holidays Can Make You Feel More Alone

The Loneliest Season of the Year
The holidays are supposed to feel warm, joyful, and full. But for many Americans, they quietly bring the opposite. Beneath the lights and cheerful posts, loneliness and depression spike—especially during a season built around togetherness.

Why Social Media Makes It Worse
Mental health experts say social media is one of the biggest drivers of holiday loneliness. Licensed mental health counselor Melissa Brown notes that while social platforms are often blamed for impacting younger people, adults are just as affected. Constant exposure to curated, picture-perfect celebrations can leave users comparing their real lives to someone else’s highlight reel—and coming up short.

Loneliness Is Rising, Not Falling
New research backs up what therapists see every year. According to AARP, loneliness among adults ages 45 and older is on the rise, with 40 percent now reporting they feel lonely. Midlife adults are particularly vulnerable, and men are now reporting higher rates of loneliness than women—an important shift experts are watching closely.

More Than Just Feelings
Brown points to three major contributors behind seasonal loneliness: lack of genuine connection, financial strain, and health challenges. Rising costs are weighing on families across income levels, adding stress to an already emotional time of year. When finances, health concerns, and isolation collide with holiday expectations, the result can feel overwhelming.

When the Holidays Don’t Magically Fix Everything
Experts emphasize that the calendar alone doesn’t cure loneliness. The pressure to feel happy during the holidays can actually deepen feelings of isolation for those who were already struggling before the season began.

Help Is Available
If loneliness turns into depression or thoughts of self-harm, help is available. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, offering free, confidential support 24/7.