Leading With Heart: Tackling Workplace Depression During the Holidays

The holidays are often painted as a season of joy, celebration, and togetherness. But behind the twinkling lights and festive cheer, many Americans quietly face a different reality — one marked by loneliness, pressure, and emotional fatigue. At Think American News, we believe in fostering open conversations about mental health and leadership. Rosemary Bonner, CEO of RB Coaching, offers a powerful reflection on how leaders can help their teams navigate the emotional challenges that too often accompany the holiday season.

The holiday season — a time often portrayed as joyful and festive — can quietly become one of the most emotionally challenging times of the year for many professionals. While celebrations fill calendars and social media shines with highlight reels, a silent struggle affects millions:  depression. As the CEO of RB Coaching, I’ve witnessed how the intersection of workplace pressure, personal expectations, and emotional fatigue can take a serious toll on mental health during the holidays. It’s time we, as leaders, address this with honesty, compassion, and action.  

The Holiday Illusion  

The cultural narrative around the holidays tells us we should feel grateful, connected, and happy.  Yet, behind that illusion, countless individuals experience:  

• Heightened loneliness: Not everyone has a strong family or support system. Even those surrounded by others can feel isolated or unseen.  

• Financial stress: Gift-giving, travel, and year-end expenses can amplify financial anxiety — a major contributor to depressive symptoms.  

• Unrealistic expectations: The pressure to make everything “perfect” — from family gatherings to workplace events — often leads to emotional exhaustion and feelings of inadequacy.  

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): The reduced daylight and colder weather during winter months can biologically trigger depression, making it more than just a mindset issue.  

The truth is simple but often ignored: while the holidays highlight joy for some, they magnify emptiness, loss, and overwhelm for others.  

The Corporate Connection  

In professional environments, the link between mental health and performance is undeniable.  Yet, during the holidays, productivity often dips not because employees are distracted by festivities — but because they are silently struggling.  

• Burnout before the break: The push to “finish strong” by year-end often leads to exhaustion and emotional collapse right before the holidays begin.  

• Pressure to perform socially: Corporate gatherings, parties, and networking events can trigger anxiety for those battling depression, particularly when they feel pressured to appear cheerful. 

• Absenteeism and presenteeism: Depression leads to higher absenteeism rates, but even more concerning is presenteeism — when employees show up physically but disengage mentally.  

Leaders who recognize this pattern and implement proactive wellness strategies not only protect their teams but also strengthen their organizations.  

The Call to Compassionate Leadership  

At RB Coaching (RBC), we believe that true leadership requires awareness and empathy.  Companies that prioritize mental health are not only creating better workplaces — they’re saving lives.  

Here’s how organizations can take immediate, meaningful action:  

• Acknowledge the issue: Create open discussions about mental health, especially during high-stress seasons. Normalize the conversation.  

• Provide resources: Offer access to wellness programs, counseling services, or workshops focused on emotional resilience.  

• Encourage time off: Promote rest without guilt. A recharged employee is far more valuable than a burned-out one.  

• Lead by example: When executives model balance and vulnerability, it permits others to seek help without fear of judgment.  

A Season to Heal  

The holidays don’t have to be a season of struggle. They can become a turning point — a time when companies choose to redefine what success looks like by putting people first.  

As we enter this season, let’s remember: no amount of corporate achievement can replace the importance of human well-being. The most valuable gift leaders can give is not a bonus or a party — but a culture that cares. 

Ready to transform your life completely?

Follow Rosemary on Instagram for daily fitness tips and motivation!

At Think American, we’re all about progress over perfection—because the American spirit is rooted in resilience, routine, and rising to the challenge. Coach Rosemary’s message is clear: you don’t need fancy equipment or a complicated fitness plan. You just need to start. Lace up your shoes, step outside, and put one foot in front of the other. The road to better health, more energy, and mental clarity might just begin with a daily walk.

For more inspiration and actionable tips, follow @rosemarybonner_ on Instagram—and keep showing up for yourself. Because strong citizens build a strong America.