Runways & Rough Days: Holiday Blues as a New Model (and Human Being)

What’s Irving Serving?

Hey there. So… real talk?

The holidays are here – The Twinkling Lights are Twinkling already and you have just decided what you are going to be for Halloween – cue the glitter, the family group chats, the “so proud of you!” texts from people you haven’t heard from in 11 months, and the overwhelming pressure to be merry and bright. Meanwhile, I’m over here trying to balance castings, confidence, and a whole wave of “meh” that snuck in with the pumpkin spice.

Yep. Even models get depressed during the holidays. Shocking, I know. But depression doesn’t care about your bone structure or your follower count.

The Holidays Aren’t Always a Gift
Here’s what they don’t show you in those glossy holiday campaigns:

The loneliness that hits when you’re far from your chosen family.

The comparison trap of scrolling through “perfect” family gatherings.

The pressure to smile – on set and off – when your heart feels heavy.

That weird guilt for not feeling “grateful enough,” even when you are thankful.

The truth? Sometimes the season hits differently. Especially if you’re:

New to a city or job and haven’t found your people yet

LGBTQ+, navigating family dynamics or chosen family gatherings

BIPOC in an industry – or environment – where you don’t feel seen

Neurodivergent or introverted, and all the noise just wears you out

Financially stressed, because hello, modeling doesn’t pay instantly (or steadily!)

Or just plain human. That’s enough reason.

Modeling the Mess Too
Being new in fashion, I’ve realized something: behind every stunning editorial is a LOT of chaos. The same goes for life. And that’s kind of comforting.

You don’t have to curate your mental health to match your Instagram aesthetic. Some days are stunning. Some are… sweatpants, cereal for dinner, and crying to a Spotify playlist called “soft emo indie but make it festive.”

You’re allowed to not love this time of year. That doesn’t make you broken. That makes you real.

My Go-To Survival Tips (For a Newbie Still Figuring It Out)
Create your own traditions
Can’t go home? Don’t want to? Cool. You get to rewrite the holiday rules. Ice cream and Netflix = valid.

Say “no” without a 5-paragraph apology
If your social battery is blinking red, skip the party. Your peace matters more than pleasing people.

Schedule joy in tiny doses
Dance in your kitchen. Send a voice memo to your best friend. Wear that outfit just because.

Ask for help
Therapy isn’t weakness – it’s a power move. Venting to friends? Also elite. You don’t have to be “strong” 24/7.

Curate your feed
Unfollow, mute, block – do what you need to protect your peace. Comparison is the thief of joy AND sleep.

You’re Not Alone (Even If It Feels That Way)
Look -I might be new to this industry, but I already know this much: we need more realness. More people admitting that success, beauty, or being “on the rise” doesn’t make you immune to depression.

So if you’re reading this and nodding along, this is your reminder that:

You don’t owe the holidays a performance

Your feelings are valid, not a flaw

You can still shine, even in quiet moments

And yes, you belong – even if you’re not feeling “festive”

Let’s Make This Season More Inclusive
Whether you:

Light candles, hang ornaments, or skip it all entirely

Celebrate with a big family or your cat

Don’t “celebrate” at all but just try to get through the month

There’s room for you in this season.

Let’s normalize talking about mental health with the same energy we use for posting outfit pics. Let’s make space for the models who are still learning to love themselves off-camera. Let’s support everyone who’s just trying to survive the sparkle season.

Here for you. In sweats or sequins. In peace or in pieces.
You’re doing better than you think.
Now go drink some water and maybe turn off your notifications for a bit.

A new model, still learning to model real life

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