ITV's much-loved resident doctor, Amir Khan, has issued a powerful and timely warning to women across the UK ahead of the Christmas holiday. In a heartfelt social media post, the GP highlighted the immense pressure women face during the festive season and delivered a crucial message of reassurance.
The Hidden Burden of Festive Responsibility
In a post on his Instagram, shared just before December 25, Dr Khan directly addressed "women who are holding it together for Christmas." He revealed that every year in his clinic, he encounters women who are exhausted, emotionally rundown, and silently questioning their ability to cope.
He explained that Christmas burnout disproportionately affects women because it extends far beyond just food, money, or time constraints. "It’s about responsibility," he stated. Women are still predominantly expected to carry the entire festive period – to plan it, remember every detail, manage the emotions, and anticipate the needs of everyone around them. This includes organising gifts, meals, and navigating complex family dynamics, often without being asked.
Biology Colliding with Social Pressure
The NHS GP, a familiar face on shows like Lorraine, Loose Women, and This Morning, pointed to the immense social expectation for women to "make Christmas magical." This involves hosting, cooking, keeping the peace, and maintaining a facade of enjoyment even when utterly exhausted.
Dr Khan then detailed the physiological factors that exacerbate this stress. He noted the impact of hormones, including PMS, perimenopause, menopause, and sustained high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. "That affects sleep, mood, appetite, patience - everything," he said. He emphasised that feeling more tearful, irritable, craving sugar, or simply overwhelmed is not a sign of weakness, but rather "biology colliding with social pressure."
"You Are Not Broken": A Message of Permission
The core of Dr Khan's message was one of validation and permission. "You are not broken," he stressed, stating this was the part he most wanted women to hear. He explicitly gave women permission to lower their own expectations.
"You’re not required to be perfect this Christmas. You don’t have to hold everything together," he advised. He framed self-protection as a positive act, asserting that "Lowering the bar isn’t failing; it's self-protection." He redefined key concepts for the season: "Rest isn’t laziness, saying no is not selfish."
His concluding words offered profound comfort: "If Christmas feels heavy this year, you are not broken, you’re not doing anything wrong, you are just human - and sometimes the healthiest thing that you can do is to do less and let that be enough."
The post resonated deeply with his followers. The comments section filled with gratitude, as many shared their own experiences of festive pressure. One woman thanked him for "seeing us, for understanding and for putting into words how we feel." Another commented on the stress mixed with the magic of the season, while a third shared her positive experience of scaling back celebrations, stating "Self isn't selfish."
Dr Khan's warning aligns with official health advice on recognising burnout. Organisations like the British Medical Association (BMA) advise acknowledging the signs, which can be physical, emotional, and behavioural. These include:
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Poor concentration and effectiveness
- Feelings of cynicism, detachment, frustration, or irritability
- Changes in behaviour or work standards
The BMA notes this list is not exhaustive and urges anyone not feeling themselves to acknowledge it. Support is available through NHS services such as the Keeping Well initiative, which can be contacted by phone or email.
