Avant Interventional Psychiatry reminds individuals and families they don’t have to face holiday stress alone, with therapy and psychiatric care available.
MARIETTA, GA, UNITED STATES, October 26, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — An empty chair at Thanksgiving dinner. A growing list of expenses. A family gathering that brings back difficult memories. The pressure to make everything special while quietly feeling overwhelmed.
As Thanksgiving and the year-end holidays approach, Dr. Okah “Justin” Anyokwu, Medical Director of Avant Interventional Psychiatry, is encouraging individuals to acknowledge the emotional challenges that can accompany the season—and know where to turn when they need someone to talk to.
While holiday celebrations often emphasize gratitude and togetherness, those expectations can make it harder for people to speak honestly about depression, anxiety, grief or loneliness. Someone may participate in every tradition while privately struggling to get through the day.
“You can be thankful for your family, appreciate what you have and still be struggling with your mental health,” said Dr. Anyokwu. “Those feelings do not cancel each other out. We want people to know they can speak openly about what they are experiencing, and that support is available.”
RECOGNIZING THE MENTAL HEALTH IMPACT OF HOLIDAY STRESS
The demands of the season can affect more than a person’s schedule. Financial pressure, difficult relationships, caregiving responsibilities and disrupted routines can add emotional strain and worsen existing mental health symptoms.
For someone grieving, familiar traditions may bring a renewed sense of loss. For a person experiencing depression, the expectation to appear cheerful can feel exhausting. Someone living with anxiety may find travel, crowded gatherings or family expectations increasingly difficult to manage.
Changes may also appear in everyday life: trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, increased irritability, withdrawing from others or losing interest in activities that usually bring enjoyment.
When these feelings persist, become harder to manage or interfere with daily responsibilities, reaching out to a mental health professional can help clarify what is happening and what support may be appropriate.
“The question is not whether someone has enough to be grateful for,” said Dr. Anyokwu. “The question is how they are feeling and functioning. If someone is having difficulty sleeping, pulling away from others or feeling overwhelmed day after day, that deserves attention and compassion.”
HAVING SOMEONE TO TALK TO CAN BE A STARTING POINT
People sometimes delay seeking help because they believe their problems are not serious enough, worry about being judged or feel they should be able to handle everything themselves.
Avant Interventional Psychiatry wants individuals and families to know that they do not need to wait until they reach a breaking point. They also do not need a diagnosis or a clear explanation of their feelings before requesting an appointment.
A conversation can begin with something as simple as, “I haven’t been feeling like myself,” or, “I need someone to talk to.”
At Avant, therapy provides an opportunity to discuss difficult emotions, navigate relationship concerns, process grief and develop ways to manage stress. Psychiatric evaluations and medication management are also available to help assess symptoms and guide care based on each person’s needs.
“Sometimes the first step is simply telling someone, ‘I’m having a hard time,’” said Dr. Anyokwu. “Our role is to listen, understand what you are experiencing and help you identify the next step. You do not have to figure it all out before you reach out to us.”
SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU
The holiday season also offers an opportunity to check on loved ones beyond the usual greetings and invitations.
Asking “How has this season been feeling for you?” can create space for a more honest answer. Listening without judgment, respecting someone’s limits and offering practical help can make it easier for that person to share what they need.
Families can support one another by sharing hosting responsibilities, reducing spending expectations and allowing traditions to change when circumstances change.
For those concerned about a loved one, encouraging professional support—and offering to help them find appointment information—can be a meaningful next step.
AVANT IS HERE TO HELP
As the season begins, Avant Interventional Psychiatry is reminding the community that caring for mental health belongs alongside other holiday preparations.
Whether someone is coping with a recent loss, experiencing increased anxiety, managing depression or feeling emotionally overwhelmed, help is available.
“We want our community to hear this clearly: you do not have to carry everything alone,” said Dr. Anyokwu. “If you need someone to talk to, we are here to help. Reaching out gives us an opportunity to understand your needs and work with you toward a plan for care.”
Individuals and families interested in learning more or requesting an appointment can visit https://avantpsychiatry.com or email newpatients@avantpsychiatry.com. Avant offers in-person care at its East Cobb, Austell, Fayetteville and Kennestone locations, along with telepsychiatry across Georgia.
ABOUT AVANT INTERVENTIONAL PSYCHIATRY
Avant Interventional Psychiatry is a Georgia-based mental health practice serving children, adolescents and adults. Led by Medical Director Dr. Okah “Justin” Anyokwu, the practice provides psychiatric evaluations, medication management, therapy and interventional psychiatric services. Avant’s approach emphasizes understanding each patient’s concerns and developing individualized treatment recommendations.
MEDIA CONTACT
Avant Interventional Psychiatry
info@avantpsychiatry.com
https://avantpsychiatry.com
Justin Anyokwu
AVANT INTERVENTIONAL PSYCHIATRY
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