AUSTIN, Texas - Having a holly jolly Christmas isn't easy for a lot of folks.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness said more than 60 percent of the people they surveyed are affected by holiday blues. Nearly a quarter of the people said holiday blues affected them a lot.

It's not just family problems or social issues that cause it. The cost of holidays leaves even more people feeling anxious. 

"I think you're also dealing with a lot of financial stress, and actually that was one of the things that people mentioned when they talked about holiday blues is that the financial stress is one of the top triggers of that," said NAMI Austin's executive director Karen Ranus.

More serious mental problems can escalate into emergencies.

After responding to two officer-involved shootings over the span of three days, Austin's police chief said mental health should be on everyone's mind during the holiday season.

"This is a time where some folks they suffer from whether it be from depression or something and if you know someone that's in that condition, reach out to them. Make a connection with them or if you're concerned they're not in a good spot, then connect them with resources," said Interim Police Chief Brian Manley.

Mental health experts say holiday blues can be short term. 

They also recommend counseling or support groups to help tell if you're dealing with something more serious.

"I think that's probably one of the most important things in making people understand that they're not alone is that they've got a great resource like us and we really do have a community that is more engaged around mental health than it ever has been before," said Ranus.

​The local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness offers classes and support groups during the holidays and around the year.