Christmas can be a really stressful and also sad time of year for some people and if you have a mental health condition your emotions are often heightened.
I’m not very sociable and will be spending Christmas at home this year with Salem (my cat). I won’t have to worry about how I’m feeling, looking presentable or being in a good mood.
I just want to veg in my PJs all day, not cook or talk to anyone. That might sound grinchy but I’m an introvert and I also don’t really know many people with mental health issues who ‘get it’.
You have to do whatever feels right for you and your health and just try to relax and enjoy the day. I think for me I’m looking forward to having some downtime at home with no work stresses and just having absolutely nothing to do but watch Christmas films and stuff my face.
Sleep
Our sleep is often disrupted or we stay up later than usual throughout the festive season so make sure to get plenty of sleep. I’m so crabby and just a huge grump when I don’t get enough sleep (Salem knows this all too well when he wakes me up ha).
Simple things like sleep really do affect our mood in a negative way so bear that in mind.
Relaxing
This season to me is all about having some time away from work and having some serious downtime before the new year. You shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting or needing that.
If you’re busy cooking and entertaining you can still make sure you carve out some time for yourself. The evenings are a great time for this when everything is done and you’re letting your food go down. Watch some Christmas films, have a relaxing bath and just don’t worry about anything. The washing up can wait or get people who didn’t cook to pitch in and help.
*If you have mental health issues, don’t feel under pressure to do more than you feel up to this Christmas.
Alcohol
I don’t drink but even for those of us who don’t drink Christmas can be really hard.
If you’re sober this festive season (like me):
- Check out aa meeting dates over Christmas.
- Have helpline numbers handy in case you want to talk or need support.
- Find yummy alternatives to drink.
- Spend time with those who aren’t drinking so you’re not tempted or find it too difficult to resist.
- Talk with friends if you’re struggling.
- Remember that most antidepressants etc aren’t good to take with alcohol.
- Alcohol is a depressive and will probably just end up making you feel low anyway.
- You won’t have a hangover and can enjoy the festive season feeling good.
If you’re drinking:
Although alcohol can initially make you feel relaxed and in a good mood, it’s important to remember that it’s a depressive and drinking too much can make you feel aggressive and low.
- Remember that most antidepressants etc aren’t good to take with alcohol.
- Staying within the limit means you won’t feel hungover.
- You could switch to a non-alcoholic drink later on in the evening so you still feel like you’re enjoying Christmas but without the negatives.
- be mindful of those who aren’t drinking and their struggles.
Time To Talk
The festive season can be an incredibly lonely and sad time of year for some. Talk to friends about how you’re feeling, a mental health professional or a helpline to get things off your chest and to help you cope.
Sometimes you might feel like you don’t want to talk to anyone but it can actually really help you deal with your feelings and confront issues that have been building up.
If things are getting too much for you in the next few weeks and you feel like you can’t cope, ask for help. Samaritans are available to speak to all year round – their free helpline number is 116 123 (calls to this number do not appear on phone bills).
Keep Busy
You might feel restless and find it hard to relax all the time or have a lot on your mind and need a distraction. I can be a bit like this. Do some baking, colouring or whatever you like to do to get your mind off things.
Cooking for me is a really great outlet and what I like to do when I need to take my mind off things and I find it really therapeutic. But it’s not the same for everyone so do whatever brings you joy and some peace from all those thoughts rolling around in your brain.
Friends & Family
Most people spend Christmas with their families but not everyone has loved ones to be with on Christmas. Reach out to a friend if you know they’ll be on their own and see what they’re doing. Inviting them to spend Christmas with you or just popping round to see them could really make a difference.
Some people that live alone and don’t really have any family (like me) are very happy to just stay at home and don’t get lonely. Others may find this time of year a hard and harsh reminder of how alone they feel.
If alone and/or away from family, the Campaign to end Loneliness provides some helpful resources.
Accept Help When Needed
The festive season can feel incredibly overwhelming and having too much to do can be really stressful for some so take help when it’s offered.
When things are a bit too much communicate with your friends and loved ones, they aren’t mindreaders and might not realise that you really need some help. Whether that be emotional or some help in the kitchen.
Need support?
If you’re feeling like ending your life, please call 999 or go to A&E and ask for the contact of the nearest crisis resolution team. They’re mental health professionals who work with people in severe distress.
- If you need someone to talk to then Samaritans are available on 116 123 (UK) for free, 24/7. They’re there to talk, listen and won’t judge you.
- C.A.L.M.: National helpline for men to talk about any troubles. Call 0800 58 58 58 (UK). They are available 5pm-midnight 365 days a year.
- For support in a crisis, Txt Shout to 85258. If you’re experiencing a personal crisis, are unable to cope and need support. Shout can help with urgent issues such as: Suicidal thoughts, abuse or assault, self-harm, bullying, relationship challenges.
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I hope you enjoyed this post and found it useful. Let’s all take little steps to care for ourselves and each other this Christmas!
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Thanks for reading!
I really adore this post beautiful, it’s exactly what I needed to read right now so thank you so much! I’m sending you so much love and festive wishes. ??
With love, Alisha Valerie x | http://www.alishavalerie.com
Oh yay I’m so glad!! I felt like it was something that was really on my mind and perhaps something that people needed too. X