Christmas is a time of joy and togetherness, where people celebrate family and find love against a backdrop of twinkling lights and softly falling snow. Right? That's what the marketing people would have you believe anyway. Every Christmas film, song and advert is geared up to sell us this story that if we just buy the right present, or the right outfit, or do the right thing, we will achieve the perfect Christmas. Unfortunately, the reality is quite different for most people.
The current escalating cost of living has led to all of us feeling the pinch already, but that is likely to be even more noticeable once we factor in buying all the extra goodies that most of us have come to expect at Christmas time. Not to mention the presents, new outfits and Christmas nights out. The costs of all this alone can be daunting for families and may feel like an impossible burden when many of us are struggling even to heat our homes.
Aside from the financial burden, Christmas can also be a difficult time due to the social pressures that it involves. Spending extended amounts of time with family members can be very stressful if there are underlying tensions (and let's face it, most of us have a few of those). These tensions can be made worse by the addition of alcohol into the mix, not to mention the stress of cooking Christmas dinner. People who struggle in busy social situations, or who have particular sensory sensitivities can find socializing at Christmas overwhelming and anxiety provoking, or just simply exhausting. At the other end of the scale, many people face Christmas alone. One poll suggested that about 4% of the population in the UK usually spend Christmas alone, a number that doubled during the pandemic (The Guardian, 5 Dec 2020). Isolation during the festive period is a real issue and may contribute to a range of mental health difficulties, such as low mood and anxiety.
For people struggling with mental health difficulties, Christmas can be particularly challenging. The financial and social stress, the disparity between expectations of the 'perfect' Christmas and the reality of it and loss of usual routines can all contribute to stress, anxiety and low mood. If that feels true for you, then it can be helpful to put a few things in place to help you cope during the festive period.
Lower your expectations! It doesn't have to be perfect to be enjoyable.
Try to notice the good things that happen and focus on those, rather than the negatives.
Be present. Try to connect with what is happening at that moment, rather than focusing on the next task you need to do.
Take time for yourself. Try to build in time to recharge and rest, whatever that might look like for you. It might just mean taking 5 minutes alone to breathe and slow down, or going for a walk, or a nap.
Connecting with others. Reach out to those around you who might be on their own- a quick telephone call, pop in for a cup of tea etc. It might make all the difference for someone who is on their own. If you are on your own, think about who is around that you can make contact with- there are a number of charitable organizations who provide support around Christmas.
Try and maintain some kind of daily routine over the festive period. Maintaining a regular sleep routine and pacing activity during the day can help to avoid getting burnt out and help us to stay well.
If you need support with your mental health over the Christmas period, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or find out more at www.samaritans.org
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