Truth About Managing Holiday Stress

December 2024

Despite their reputation for being grumpy, and headlines often dominated by crime-related news, an overwhelming majority of New Yorkers believe that most of their fellow citizens are “basically good” and less than a quarter expect political divisions to interfere with their holiday gatherings, according to the latest results of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s “Truth in Medicine” poll, sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union.

Some 75 percent of respondents to the hospital’s poll said most people are basically good while only 20 percent believe most people are “basically selfish.” And only 24 percent said they expect political divisions to impact their holiday gatherings this year, with 61 percent saying politics would not intrude on their celebrations.

But other holiday-related issues give cause for anxiety.

Making ends meet during the holidays is the leading concern of 38 percent of poll respondents, followed by gaining weight and “not enough time to get things done,” both at 23 percent.

When asked specifically about their health concerns during the holidays, 63 percent of respondents said they were “concerned about getting sick with COVID-19 or flu.”

The perennial issue of weight gain during the holidays also looms large as Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s approach, with 55 percent of respondents saying they were “very concerned” or

“concerned” about gaining weight. Additionally, 17 percent of respondents said they were “very concerned,” and 43 percent “concerned,” about experiencing stress or another mental health issue.

Despite the burden of these concerns, just like the residents of Whoville in the “Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” 63 percent of respondents will stick to their plans to celebrate the holidays just as they have planned.

“It is encouraging at this time of year to find that most New Yorkers and Long Islanders are optimistic about their neighbors,” said Adhi Sharma, MD, President of Mount Sinai South Nassau. “The holiday season is a reminder of the good within all of us and fulfills the promise of perpetual hope, generosity, and joy. Remaining optimistic is a good start on the road to improved health.”

“One of the best ways to stay healthy is to stay up to date on your flu and COVID-19 vaccines,” added Aaron Glatt, MD, Chief of Infectious Diseases and Chair of the Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai South Nassau. “Both the flu and COVID-19 remain major causes of serious illness and hospitalization. The vaccines can help you from getting seriously ill.”

The hospital’s Truth in Medicine Poll aims to gather data about public attitudes on key public health topics and spur education and discussion. The latest poll was conducted from Wednesday, December 11, through Tuesday, December 17, via both landlines and cell phones, with 600 Long Island and New York City adults ages 18-65 and above. Poll findings are subject to a sampling error of plus or minus 3.9 percent.

Overall, 60 percent are specifically concerned about stress or other mental health issues around the holidays. Finances are the primary cause of stress and mental health issues. Worries about money also cause 29 percent of respondents to go to work sick. Hispanic respondents reported being particularly strapped this holiday season.

Other poll findings include:

• 45 percent say they have been unable to buy all they need at the grocery store at least once this year.
  
• 23 percent have run out of food and not had enough money to buy more.
  
• Six percent of respondents have often sought help from a food pantry.
  
• Gaining weight is the top concern among women under 50.
  

A majority of respondents are concerned about getting COVID-19 or flu and many respondents have taken action to reduce their risk of getting sick. At the time the poll was conducted, 58 percent of respondents said they had received a flu shot, while 49 percent had received the latest COVID-19 vaccine. Those most concerned with getting COVID-19 or the flu are Hispanics and women, particularly women over 50 ... read more

• "Truth In Medicine" Poll Press Release
• "Truth In Medicine" Poll Results (PDF)