New Sadag study reveals complex emotions South Africans face during the festive season

THE South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has unveiled significant findings from its 2025 Festive Feeling Study, highlighting the multifaceted emotional landscape experienced by South Africans during the holiday season.

In an expansive survey involving 2 095 participants aged 18 to 65+, the research paints a poignant picture of the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals across the nation, particularly in key provinces like Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.

People from different backgrounds took part, including employed, unemployed, self-employed, and students.

According to Dr Bronwyn Dworzanowski-Venter, the study showed that people experienced the festive season in 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."

Key findings from the survey

- 73% of respondents worry about making financial ends meet in January - the most common festive season stressor.

- 69% feel anxious about not having enough money to spoil or support loved ones this December.

- Nearly 1 in 2 (47%) felt tired for no good reason most or all of the time, and 36% said everything felt like an effort.

- 31% felt depressed, hopeless, and nervous most or all of the time, indicating widespread psychological strain.

- 45% reported being very lonely during previous festive seasons.

- 54% have never been professionally diagnosed with a mental health condition, yet distress indicators remain high.

- 51% plan to cope by prioritising sleep, while 39% rely on going for walks and 32% by cancelling -plans to rest.

- Past festive behaviours show that 58% start the new year already exhausted, highlighting the cumulative emotional load.

"The study also found differences between men (14%) and women (85%), with men often disconnecting more and struggling with conditions like OCD or depression, more than women. Women may feel lonely even when surrounded by people and worry about safety and taking care of their family. Both men and women worry about money and providing for their children," said Dr Dworzanowski-Venter.

Forty-six percent of the participants have been diagnosed with mental health conditions, reported feeling less stressed than those who haven’t been diagnosed, showing the importance of talking to a professional. Many people also worry about money in January, especially those with children. The study shows that happiness is not just about money- people in poorer communities can still enjoy the festive season.

"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, and our Helpline is here to ensure that no one has to face these challenges alone. Whether it’s a small concern or a deep struggle, we are ready to listen, support, and guide every caller through the festive season,” said Sadag's  Call Centre Manager, Tracy Feinstein.

* Free Telephonic Counselling Helplines: 0800 456 789 or 0800 567 567, are available 24/7, SMS 31393, or WhatsApp 087 163 2030 (available Monday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm).