Money woes overshadow December joy

THE festive season may be marketed as a time of joy, but for many South Africans it remains an emotional roller coaster. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has released the results of its 2025 Festive Feeling Study, revealing a nation juggling financial anxiety, emotional strain and pockets of quiet resilience.

The nationwide survey collected 2 095 valid responses from people aged 18 to over 65, with most respondents living in Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Participants came from across the employment spectrum; from the fully employed to the unemployed, self-employed and students.

Dr Bronwyn Dworzanowski-Venter says the findings paint a picture of a country experiencing the holidays in profoundly different ways.

“Some are thriving, enjoying the holidays despite challenges. Some are surviving, feeling stressed about money, family responsibilities or personal problems. Some, mostly men, feel disconnected, often due to unemployment or financial pressure, which can lead to loneliness and isolation,” she says.

The biggest pressure point remains money. According to the study:

• 73% worry about making ends meet in January — the most common festive stressor.
• 69% feel anxious about not having enough money to spoil or support loved ones in December.
• Almost half (47%) say they feel tired for no good reason most or all of the time, while 36% say everything feels like an effort.
• 31% report feeling depressed, hopeless or nervous most or all of the time.
• 45% say they have been very lonely during previous festive seasons.
• 54% have never received a professional mental-health diagnosis, yet levels of distress remain high.

To cope, respondents say they plan to prioritise sleep (51%), go for walks (39%), or cancel plans to rest (32%). But past behaviour shows that 58% begin the new year already exhausted, highlighting how the emotional burden builds from one festive season to the next.

The study also revealed gender differences. “Men often disconnect more and struggle with conditions like OCD or depression more than women,” says Dworzanowski-Venter. “Women may feel lonely even when surrounded by people and worry about safety and caring for their families. Both men and women worry about money and providing for their children.”

Interestingly, those already diagnosed with a mental-health condition — 46% of participants — reported feeling less stressed than those without a diagnosis, pointing to the value of professional help. And despite high levels of financial anxiety, the study suggests happiness is not solely tied to income: people in poorer communities can, and often do, still find joy during the holiday season.

SADAG’s Call Centre Manager, Tracy Feinstein, says support remains available throughout the holidays.

“Our SADAG Helplines will remain open throughout the festive season, as they do every year. We want everyone to know that help is just a phone call away. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness,” she says. “Whether it’s a small concern or a deep struggle, we are ready to listen, support and guide every caller through the festive season.”

SADAG will also offer additional support tools over December, including:

• Ask the Expert session: Live this Friday, 12 December at 1pm, on Facebook. Counselling psychologist Dylan Benyon will discuss Coping with Grief During the Festive Season.
• A new online mental-health toolkit with articles, brochures, a safety plan, videos and support groups via sadag.org.
• Free 24/7 helplines: 0800 456 789 or 0800 567 567; SMS 31393; or WhatsApp 087 163 2030 (8am–5pm daily).