Financial pressures coupled with the strain of “doing more” during the holiday season are placing already stressed Canadians under considerably more strain, according to a new study.

The comprehensive two-part study, which focused on understanding winter holiday-triggered stress, anxiety and depression symptoms, polled mental health consumers and family members as well as doctors from across the country.

The poll was conducted by MD Analytics, Canada’s most innovative healthcare research firm, on behalf of the Canadian Mental Health Association, National (CMHA-NAT) in partnership with Desjardins Financial Security (DFS).

“We’ve known for some time that December and January are extremely stressful months, but what we didn’t know was how far-reaching the effects of holiday stress would be,” says CMHA-NAT CEO Glenn Thompson. “This is the first time researchers have quantified winter holiday season-related stress anxiety and the occurrence of depression symptoms.”

The study showed that added social pressure, financial stress, raised holiday expectations, an increased feeling of loneliness, increased family interaction and the “commercialization of the winter holiday season” topped the list as catalysts for holiday-related stress and anxiety, potentially leading to a diagnosis of anxiety or depression.

Noting that the results of the last national health survey of Canadians indicate that financial worries undermine the quality of workers’ lives and provoke stress, anxiety and even depression, Denis Berthiaume, senior vp, individual insurance for DFS, emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of the assistance services available during this period of the year.

“In addition to the distress it causes the person who is experiencing the problem, an individual’s physical and mental health disorders can have a significant impact on others, such as colleagues in the workplace, family members and friends. People should be aware that solutions are available to help them overcome stress, financial insecurities and uncertainties. They should not hesitate to seek out these services if they need them. Taking action to resolve their financial problems will certainly enable them to better enjoy the holiday season,” says Berthiaume.