By Ali Mehdaoui – The Global Impact Podcast
December is supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year”… but for millions of people, it’s actually the heaviest. Behind the lights, the glitter, and the celebration is a much quieter reality — one filled with emotional exhaustion, depression, anxiety, relapse cycles, and silent suffering.
As someone who has lived through extreme pressure, trauma, near-death experiences, and spiritual rebirth, I’ve learned that pain doesn’t follow a calendar… and healing shouldn’t either. That’s why this month, The Global Impact Podcast is shining a spotlight on December mental health and the rise in substance abuse that comes with it.
This is the truth behind the holiday season — and the hope that can save a life.
🎄 Why December Is One of the Hardest Months for Mental Health
While the world celebrates, statistics tell a different story:
- Depression symptoms increase by 40% during December
- Anxiety spikes due to financial pressure, family dynamics, and year-end burnout
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) hits hardest due to limited sunlight
- Loneliness intensifies, even in crowded rooms
- Grief resurfaces as families gather and memories return
- Social expectations clash with internal reality
Despite the decorations and celebrations, many people silently feel:
✔ overwhelmed
✔ disconnected
✔ exhausted
✔ behind
✔ unsupported
✔ or simply… not okay
I know this personally.
There were years where I delivered for everyone except myself.
Years where my body was breaking, my spirit was tired, and on the outside, I still had to smile.
It almost cost me everything.
🍷 The Hidden Holiday Crisis: Substance Abuse
One of the least discussed December realities is the dramatic 70–80% increase in substance-related incidents.
Why?
- Increased access to alcohol
- Emotional triggers
- Family pressure
- Loneliness
- Trauma resurfacing
- Unaddressed mental health challenges
- College students returning home
- Social normalization of heavy drinking
The holidays create a dangerous combination:
more triggers + less emotional support = higher relapse risk.
Addiction isn’t a character flaw — it’s an emotional response to untreated pain.
And December brings that pain to the surface.
📊 What the Research Actually Says
Modern studies reveal a mental health crisis reaching its peak:
- CDC: Mental health challenges increased 25–40% post-pandemic
- SAMHSA: 1 in 3 adults experienced a mental health or substance-use issue this year
- APA: Chronic stress is at historic highs among adults, especially parents and leaders
- Johns Hopkins: Early intervention reduces long-term dependency by 60%
Science confirms what we already know deep down:
The sooner we intervene, the sooner we heal.
🚨 Signs You Should Never Ignore
Whether you notice these signs in yourself or someone you love, they matter:
Mental Health Red Flags
- Withdrawal or isolation
- Loss of interest in things once enjoyable
- Sleep changes
- Persistent sadness or irritability
- Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
- Appetite changes
- Emotional numbness
Substance Abuse Red Flags
- Drinking or using alone
- Hiding behavior
- Increased tolerance
- Missed responsibilities
- Financial inconsistencies
- Mood swings
- Decline in personal hygiene
These aren’t “bad habits.”
They’re signals — often whispered before the body screams.
💬 A Personal Moment — My Story
Many listeners know my journey: seven resuscitations, spiritual awakening, and a rebirth into purpose.
Those moments taught me what textbooks never could:
You don’t break because you’re weak.
You break because you’ve been strong for too long — alone.
I’ve survived things I shouldn’t have survived.
I’ve rebuilt myself after moments that could have ended everything.
And the reason I speak openly now is simple:
Your vulnerability can save someone else’s life.
And it might even save your own.
Healing starts with conversation.
But true recovery begins with support.
🛠 What to Do If You or Someone You Love Is Struggling
Here’s a simple, effective roadmap:
1️⃣ Start the real conversation
Not the “I’m fine” conversation.
The honest one.
2️⃣ Ask meaningful questions
“How have you really been feeling?”
“What’s been the hardest part lately?”
3️⃣ Remove shame
Support is not weakness. Therapy is not defeat.
4️⃣ Seek professional help
Therapy can stop spirals before they become emergencies.
5️⃣ Make a plan
Establish safety, structure, and consistent follow-ups.
Healing is not a single moment — it’s a process.
🌐 Why Global Impact Wellness Exists
Global Impact Wellness provides compassionate, affordable, accessible mental health and substance abuse support for ages 8 and up.
Services include:
- Licensed therapy
- Substance abuse counseling
- Psychiatric evaluations
- Youth mental health support
- Virtual & in-person sessions
- Personalized treatment plans
- Confidential care
Their mission is simple:
To make healing accessible, judgment-free, and real.
Whether you need immediate care, ongoing therapy, or a safe place to talk — help is here.
👉 Visit GlobalImpactWellness.com to get started today.
💛 Final Message: You Are Not Alone
December doesn’t define your worth.
Struggle doesn’t mean failure.
And needing help doesn’t make you broken — it makes you human.
Your story matters.
Your life matters.
Your healing matters.
Let this be the December where you choose yourself.
Where you speak up.
Where you take that first step — not because you’re weak, but because you’re finally ready to rise.
Visit GlobalImpactWellness.com — your healing starts now.