Holiday Loneliness Is Rising Worldwide, New Research Shows—Clinicians Explain Why and How to Cope

Why Holiday Loneliness Is Rising Worldwide

As the holiday season reaches its peak, new international research suggests that many people are feeling lonelier than ever—despite a time of year often associated with connection, celebration, and togetherness.

Recent findings from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the American Psychological Association (APA) point to a growing global loneliness paradox during the holidays, with impacts being felt across Canada, the United States, the UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, and beyond.

According to the OECD’s 2025 Social Connections and Loneliness Report, up to 14 per cent of people in member countries feel lonely most or all of the time. In the U.S., the APA’s Stress in America 2025 report found that half of adults report signs of loneliness, including emotional disconnection and isolation.

Why the holidays can intensify loneliness

Clinicians say the pressure to feel joyful and socially fulfilled during the holidays can actually deepen feelings of isolation.

“No matter the part of the world, holidays come with a lot of ‘shoulds’ and unrealistic social expectations of happiness and connectedness,” said Dr. Hannah Nearney, a clinical psychiatrist and UK Medical Director at Flow Neuroscience. “But in reality, many people naturally struggle with those, and that doesn’t suddenly disappear during the end-of-year festivities.”

Distance from family, strained relationships, grief, and unresolved conflict are among the most common contributors to holiday loneliness. Data from AMFM (A Mission for Michael) suggests that 14 million Americans will spend Christmas alone, nearly half due to family conflict or geographic separation. OECD data also shows that in-person interactions with friends and family have been steadily declining over the past decade.

“The festive attributes of December, like Christmas traditions, songs, and movies, trigger the brain to think of family,” said Dr. Kultar Singh Garcha, an NHS GP and Chief Medical Officer at Flow Neuroscience. “If the family is far, someone has passed, or there’s a conflict, all the emotions come out—grief, anger, disappointment, and loneliness, of course.”

The role of stress and finances

Financial pressure can further amplify feelings of isolation. A 2025 Festive Feeling study by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group found that more than one in three people feel lonely and persistently tired during the holiday season.

The OECD reports that people experiencing financial stress—such as unemployment or low income—are nearly twice as likely to report loneliness.

“Stress can impair the functioning of the pre-frontal cortex, which is essentially the brain’s control centre for executive functioning,” Dr. Nearney explained. “When that happens, it becomes harder to regulate emotions, and small social disconnections can feel much bigger, strengthening the sense of isolation. Financial stress is especially intense because it pushes the brain into survival mode.”

How to cope with holiday loneliness

Clinicians emphasize that easing loneliness does not require meeting idealized holiday expectations, but rather focusing on manageable, meaningful connections.

“Focus on nurturing relationships that you already have and set boundaries with difficult relatives,” said Dr. Garcha. “If you can’t meet loved ones in person, organize regular video calls. Small acts of kindness—like complimenting someone or helping with heavy bags—can also help you feel more connected to your community.”

For those experiencing persistent stress or low mood beyond loneliness, clinicians recommend seeking professional support, which may include psychotherapy, support groups, or clinician-guided mental health tools.

Experts say rising holiday loneliness is a signal to prioritize emotional well-being over social pressure—and that even small steps, such as reaching out to an old friend, can make a meaningful difference.

Source: Media release and clinician commentary provided by Flow Neuroscience, referencing OECD and American Psychological Association research.

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