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Christmas Mental Health Check In
Former Member
Posts: 1,054 Wise Owl
Happy 1st December! 
I just wanted to make a little mental health check in post now that we are fully into the festive season. Christmas is seen to be the most magical time of the year, and for some it really is, but I think it's so important to remember that for some people it's a really difficult time of year and they may be needing a little extra support at this time
So I'm wondering, how is everyone doing? Do you have any festive plans to look forward to? And if you have struggled with christmas in the past, what advice would you give to people feeling that way at the moment?
Happy December everyone!
I just wanted to make a little mental health check in post now that we are fully into the festive season. Christmas is seen to be the most magical time of the year, and for some it really is, but I think it's so important to remember that for some people it's a really difficult time of year and they may be needing a little extra support at this time
So I'm wondering, how is everyone doing? Do you have any festive plans to look forward to? And if you have struggled with christmas in the past, what advice would you give to people feeling that way at the moment?
Happy December everyone!
Post edited by JustV on
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Comments
im probably in the best place possible mentally, but that hasn't always been the case, normally I struggle with Christmas in general, its the anniversary of my aunts death and a reminder of the most difficult and loneliest day of my life … my advice would be don't push yourself too hard, if you can, talk to the people around you and say why you're struggling, for me a big part of it is food, so my family know not to push me too much and i'll eat what I can manage
I must admit I love Christmas celebrations but winter as a whole I find really difficult and I think a lot of people do too.
Mind have lots of great stuff about self-care during periods like winter to combat the effects of what they call 'Seasonal Affective Disorder' https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/self-care/#.XebFa252tPY
I think what I find is that I need to get up and out even though that's often the last thing I want to do during winter when it's cold and dark. Once I do get out I feel much happier!
Although I also do recommend the odd evening (or maybe even day) snug under the blanket watching Christmas films!
There are also plenty of articles on The Mix if people struggle during the Christmas period: https://www.themix.org.uk/search/christmas
Christmas can be such a difficult time for people and can trigger symptoms of mental ill health whether it's due to seeing family, socialising, food, alcohol, financial worries etc...but it is so important to try and take everything one day at a time and remember that you are never alone - if you are struggling you can always reach out to someone, whether in person, here on the boards or the Samaritans helpline (116 123).
@Past User I agree that it's hard to get out and about when it is dark. I have made a pact this month with my colleague to walk outside at lunch for 30 mins and then we have lunch back at the office to warm up (usually homemade soup for me!). I find it is easier to be active if there is someone around to motivate me.
Mind has a really helpful page with articles on how to cope with different challenging situations at Christmas: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/support-at-christmas/#.XebTXuj7Q2w
"The way that I have found the light in my life is through the expressive arts because I know that I will be accepted for the way I am." ~ Me
"I'm going to get strong again and see you soon. " ~ Anonymous
Hello @Past User, thank you! SAD is definitely something that needs to be spoken about at this time of year, so thank you for sharing such helpful links. I have been struggling with some fo the symptoms of SAD this year it's really great to see other people speaking openly about it. Thank you!
Hi @Past User, thank you! I agree, the responses have been so helpful and lovely. And thank you so much for sharing some really great support links too! I am pleased this is turning into such a supportive thread
And hello @Kasa2103! Sometimes we can convince ourselves that people don't care about us or how we are doing, but I really want you to know that I care - and everyone else at The Mix does too! You deserve to be happy and to feel supported always, so if you want to speak about anything we are here
I hope everyone has a very merry christmas