A holistic wellness centre has seen demand for its mental health services surge this festive season due to a growing openness to the topic as well as the heightened anxieties that can come with the time of year.

Kelly Madeiros, the managing director of Solstice in Hamilton, said studies consistently showed that stress levels increased during the holiday period.

The centre saw demand leap between 25 and 30 per cent this November and December compared with the same period in 2024.

Ms Madeiros said demand has been rising since the Covid pandemic broke out nearly six years ago but added that the trend could signal a positive shift in how mental health and treatment are viewed.

Solstice put out a message of support over the festive period, reminding the community that help is at hand.

Ms Madeiros explained: “We recently shared a Solstice holiday message on our social-media platforms, saying: ‘The holidays aren’t joyful for everyone, and that’s OK.’

“That message reflects both lived experience and psychological research.

“Surveys from mental-health organisations indicate that more than a third of adults report higher stress during the holidays, driven by factors such as financial pressure, family expectations, disrupted routines and social comparison.”

Ms Madeiros said that internationally the need for help with mental health had remained high compared with pre-pandemic levels and that the numbers continued to rise.

“Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development indicate that many countries continue to see rates of depression and anxiety symptoms at least 20 per cent higher than before Covid-19, reflecting the long-term psychological impact of the pandemic rather than a short-term crisis response.

She added: “Both globally and locally, the pandemic also shifted how mental health is understood and discussed. For adults and children alike, it brought mental health into everyday conversations — within families, schools, workplaces and government policy.

“The increase in demand is not concerning but rather encouraging. It reflects a growing recognition that mental health is just as important as physical health and that seeking support is a proactive and healthy step.

“We are beginning to see greater openness and willingness to access mental health support. Importantly, many people are also seeking services not only in times of difficulty but as a way to challenge themselves, grow and improve overall wellbeing.”

Ms Madeiros said the shift was reinforced by findings from the Adolescent Mental Health Study last year, which prompted increased collaboration between government agencies, charities and private providers to prioritise mental wellbeing and reduce stigma, which persists as one of the biggest barriers to seeking help.

She said as a result, more people felt able to recognise symptoms and seek support earlier.

The nature of referrals has also shifted.

“There has been an increase in concerns linked to social media exposure, particularly at this time of year, where curated ‘highlight reels’ can intensify feelings of isolation, comparison and self-doubt,” Ms Madeiros said.

“Referrals related to heightened expectations, financial strain, stress, anxiety and depression have risen, alongside concerns about workplace bullying, performance pressure and school-related stress.”

The study found that 31 per cent of Bermudian students aged 10 to 19 reported moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety or depression, a rate higher than global averages.

Ms Madeiros said the figures may more accurately reflect need rather than a sudden emergence of distress because there was less stigma about seeking help.

While there are a range of services available to help meet the demand, including those at no cost such as the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute and Family Centre, Solstice continues to advocate for insurance policies putting mental health in line with physical health coverage.

“One challenge for our community is the limited coverage for the GEHI members,” she said.

“The coverage is very low and only covers psychologists, not counsellors, and does not cover telehealth sessions, which is highly sought after.

“If certain policies would be expanded, more people would access the mental health support.

“There also continues to be a gap for mental health services for people who are involved with the criminal justice system.”

Ms Madeiros said there was a strong need for services for children and adolescents, while working-age adults represented a significant proportion of referrals — particularly for people balancing multiple roles.

She added: “Many are experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, workplace bullying and performance-related pressures, often compounded by financial strain, job insecurity and blurred work/life boundaries since the pandemic.

“Within this group is the sandwich generation — adults simultaneously caring for children and ageing parents.”

For more information about Solstice, e-mail info@solstice.bm or call 292-3456.

Services are also available at MWI on 236-3770. Its 24-hour Mental Health Crisis Line is 239-1111.