HOLIDAY MENTAL HEALTH CHECK-IN: WHAT TO NOTICE WHEN VISITING LOVED ONES THIS SEASON
The holiday season can be a warm time of reunion — but it’s also a rare window of opportunity to see how our loved ones are really doing. Whether you’re visiting older parents or welcoming college-aged kids back home, these moments offer critical clues about physical, emotional, and mental health that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Your job is NOT to solve the problem, but you can be aware of things to look out for and guide people to expert help.
Mental Health Warning Signs in Aging Parents
When visiting older parents this season, be alert for changes in:
1. Memory and Cognition
Repeating questions or forgetting recent conversations
Difficulty following stories or losing track of time
Uncharacteristic confusion with routine tasks
2. Mood and Personality
Noticeable increase in irritability or apathy
Withdrawal from social interactions or family events
Expressions of hopelessness or anxiety
3. Home Environment and Self-Care
Spoiled food, unopened mail, or neglected hygiene
Cluttered or unsafe living conditions
Signs of poor medication management (missed pills, confusion about dosages)
4. Physical Red Flags
Unexplained bruises or injuries
Noticeable weight loss or fatigue
Difficulty walking, using stairs, or maintaining balance
What to Do: If you observe two or more of these signs, it may be time for a complete care assessment. As your advisory team Wellworth can coordinate discreet evaluations, facilitate supportive conversations, and develop an actionable next step plan.
Mental Health Watchpoints for College-Aged Children
Coming home for the holidays often marks the first deep re-engagement with children who have been living independently. Be on the lookout for:
1. Sudden Personality Shifts
Unusual detachment or volatility
Loss of interest in friends, family, or hobbies
Heightened defensiveness or secrecy
2. Academic or Social Struggles
Hesitancy to talk about classes, grades, or campus life
Sudden change in friend groups or social habits
Signs of isolation or avoidance behaviors
3. Sleep and Substance Patterns
Overuse of sleep to avoid interaction
Noticeable increase in alcohol or marijuana use
Signs of stimulant misuse (Adderall, etc.)
4. Body Image or Eating Changes
Restricted or compulsive eating habits
Excessive gym use or obsession with body image
Rapid weight gain or loss
What to Do: Trust your instincts. A brief conversation, even if it feels awkward, can open the door to critical support. Wellworth’s clinical team can assist in triaging health concerns, supporting access to therapy, or evaluating campus resources.
When in Doubt, Act
The holidays offer emotional context and uninterrupted time that reveals what brief check-ins never will. Don’t brush off what you notice — especially if it feels off. Early intervention can be life-changing.
Have a Plan To Support Care After You Leave
Consider who will execute the plan, and don’t delay the next steps
Create a timeline to monitor and check back in to see how the plan is progressing
Support That Matches the Moment
If you or your clients want help navigating these concerns, Wellworth’s physician-led team can:
Coordinate discreet evaluations and care team introductions
Offer guidance on behavioral health planning.
Help open difficult conversations with compassion and clinical clarity.
Your holiday gatherings may be the only chance to see behind the curtain. Make the most of it — with the right eyes and the proper support.