Holiday Anxiety: The Pressure to “Be Okay” (and Why It Makes You Feel Worse)

Do you feel like you should be happy, grateful, and “all good” during the holidays… but inside you feel anxious, numb, low, or overwhelmed?

In this episode of The Restored Minds Show, licensed therapist Matt Codde, LCSW talks about the hidden pressure to be okay during the holidays — and how forcing yourself to feel a certain way actually intensifies anxiety, OCD loops, and emotional pain.

Matt explains why comparing your inner world to everyone else’s highlight reel (or to how you “used to feel” in past holidays) keeps you stuck, and how learning to allow your current state—without self-judgment—can actually help your nervous system settle and heal.

If this season feels heavier, lonelier, or more stressful than you expected, this conversation will give you permission to be where you are, while still moving toward freedom.

🧭 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ Why the pressure to “be okay” during the holidays makes anxiety worse

✅ How resisting your current emotional state prolongs suffering

✅ The paradox of trying to force happiness, joy, or gratitude

✅ Why it’s okay if this season feels harder than past years

✅ How to allow your emotions without collapsing into isolation

✅ A healthier way to move through the holidays with self-compassion and honesty

🚀 Resources to Help You Heal

📥 Free Assessment & Recovery Resources

Start your journey to freedom from OCD, anxiety, and chronic stress.

👉 https://www.restoredminds.com/start

📖 From Stuck to Unstuck (Book)

Practical tools to overcome fear and reclaim your life.

👉 https://www.restoredminds.com/book

🌱 Programs & Support

For step-by-step guidance on breaking the loop.

👉 https://www.restoredminds.com

🎧 Subscribe & Connect for More Support

👉 YouTube: / restoredminds

👉 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3NJI2zD

👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/46AiT30

💬 Ask a Question for a Future Episode

👉 https://www.restoredminds.com/assessment

Follow Matt Codde, LCSW

🔹 Instagram: @mattcodde_lcsw

🔹 TikTok: @restoredminds

🔹 Facebook: OCD Support Community

📸 If this episode helped you, share it on Instagram Stories and tag us!

⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – The pressure to “be okay” during the holidays01:30 – When joyful activities no longer feel joyful03:25 – The paradox: resisting emotions makes them stronger05:10 – “Will I ever feel normal again?”07:00 – Why it’s okay to feel how you feel09:30 – Releasing the pressure and returning to emotional honesty⚠️ DisclaimerThis content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For personalized help, consult a licensed professional.