Festive Wellbeing: Strategies for a Mindful and Merry Season

Christmas is associated with celebrations, spending time with family and friends, eating, drinking, and being merry. However, for those who struggle with mental health conditions, the festive season can be very challenging. 

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Key Factors 

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Factors such as dark, chilly evenings, the financial toll of gift buying, or for some the worst part of the festive period is spending Christmas on their own can be extremely overwhelming. Estrangement from family and friends can be difficult during the festive season especially when everything around is focused on quality family time. Bereavement, no matter how long ago that special person has passed away, can be really challenging. As can separations, split families, and break-ups. 

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It may be a surprising fact but many struggle during the joyful period. According to a YouGov study, two out of five people in the UK admit to feeling stressed at Christmas with 54% of people worried about the mental health of a loved one during the festive period. A staggering 83% admitted to feeling lonely around the holidays. This coupled with the fact that many of the support services that struggling folks usually use may be closed, can add to the distress and difficulties. 

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Mental Health Checklist

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To help navigate the holiday stress, consider the following:

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• Plan ahead what support you may need this forthcoming Christmas
• Invite a friend around who you think may be on their own this festive season
• Be mindful that alcohol is a depressant, so think moderation if you are struggling
• Structure your days off, try and get some exercise, or go for a daily walk and out in nature more
• Avoid social comparisons this Christmas, social media can be precarious for this so limit your time online
• Be kind to yourself; it's okay not to be okay. You are not alone in your struggles.

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Please look after yourself and look out for others who may be struggling. 

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Resources

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If you require any additional support, find a list of available resources below.

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Estrangement support charity - https://www.standalone.org.uk/

Loss and coping with grief at Christmas - https://www.cruse.org.uk/christmas/

Relationship support - https://www.relate.org.uk/

Christmas coping tips - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/christmas-and-mental-health/christmas-coping-tips/

Samaritans - call free 24/7 on 116 123 or visit their website https://www.samaritans.org/

Breathing Space - 0800 838587

NHS Scotland Living Life - 6 CBT-based phone sessions - 0800 328 9655