Coping with Easter: Understanding the Emotional Impact

Easter is often associated with family gatherings, joyful traditions, and renewal. For many, it’s a time of celebration, reflection, and connection. But for others, Easter can bring unexpected emotional challenges—feelings of loneliness, grief, anxiety, or pressure to be cheerful when inside they’re struggling. If Easter is a difficult time for you, know that you are not alone, and there is support available.

Why Easter Can Be Emotionally Challenging

Loneliness & Isolation – While Easter is often framed as a time for family or community, many people find themselves spending the holiday alone. This can amplify feelings of exclusion or sadness, especially for those without close support networks.

Grief & Loss – If you’ve lost a loved one, particularly someone you used to celebrate Easter with, this time of year may intensify feelings of longing and sorrow. Holiday traditions can bring painful reminders of who’s missing.

Religious Pressure or Conflict – For some, Easter brings spiritual comfort. For others, especially those who have left a religion or experienced trauma related to faith, this time can stir up complicated or distressing feelings.

Financial Strain – Even modest holiday gatherings, meals, or gifts can place pressure on those already dealing with financial stress. For families, there may be expectations around Easter activities that feel hard to meet.

Disrupted Routines – The change in structure due to school holidays, travel, or social events can feel destabilising—especially for those managing conditions like anxiety, depression, or neurodivergence.

Body Image & Food-Related Struggles – With the focus on chocolate, big meals, and treats, Easter can be difficult for people with eating disorders or body image concerns. Conversations around food or dieting may also be triggering.

What Easter Can Also Offer

While Easter can be challenging, it also brings opportunities for hope and healing:

Connection – Whether with family, friends, a support group, or chosen community, Easter can be a time to build meaningful connections, even in small ways.

Spring’s Arrival – In the UK, Easter falls in early spring—a time of natural renewal. Longer days, fresh blooms, and brighter weather can lift mood and support mental wellbeing.

Spiritual Reflection – For those who find comfort in spirituality or faith, Easter can be a powerful time for hope, renewal, and inner peace.

Permission to Rest – If you’re not celebrating in the traditional sense, the long weekend can still offer space for self-care, reflection, and restoration.

How to Cope with Difficult Feelings at Easter

Acknowledge Your Emotions – It’s okay to feel sad, angry, numb, or relieved. Whatever you’re experiencing, your emotions are valid.

Make a Plan – Think ahead about how you want to spend the Easter weekend. That might mean joining a gathering, taking a break from social media, going for a nature walk, or watching comforting films.

Create Your Own Traditions – You don’t have to celebrate Easter in the conventional way. Light a candle, cook a favourite meal, plant something, or simply spend the day doing what feels right for you.

Talk to Someone – Share how you’re feeling with a friend, family member, or mental health professional. You’re not a burden—reaching out can lighten the weight of what you’re carrying.

UK Charities That Offer Support

If you’re finding Easter difficult and need someone to talk to, these organisations can help:

  • Samaritans – 24/7 confidential support for anyone struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts. Call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org

  • Mind – Advice and support for people experiencing mental health problems. Visit www.mind.org.uk

  • Cruse Bereavement Support – Help for anyone grieving the death of someone close. Visit www.cruse.org.uk

  • BEAT – Support for those affected by eating disorders. Visit www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

  • CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Mental health support for men and anyone in crisis. Visit www.thecalmzone.net