Keeping well at Christmas

Around this time of year, we might feel pulled to do more for others, feeling anxious or depressed, feeling stressed due to financial pressures or having annual leave over Christmas can be isolating and lonely for you.

We know the cold, dark winter nights can be draining and lonely but like anything with mental health recognising that you're struggling is the first step of getting better mental health and wellbeing.

It is OK to ask for help. This time of year can be very difficult for everyone and that's OK. What ever may be getting to you there is help you can access through us.

Feelings you may have over Christmas:

• your mental health might make it hard for you to spend Christmas how you and your family want
• your experiences of last Christmas, during the coronavirus restrictions, may affect how you feel about this Christmas
• if you celebrate other religious festivals or holidays, you may feel overlooked if it feels like Christmas is given special attention
• difficult and stressful experiences at Christmas could make your mental health worse
• new year may also feel like a hard time, if it makes you look back at difficult memories or worry about anything in the coming year
• spending time with family may become stressful and have a negative impact on your mental health
• financial worries and stresses could get worse over the Christmas period

Here are some hints and tips to cope with Christmas stresses:

• take a breather, take some time out if things are getting too much, do something which relaxes you and you enjoy
• write down how you're feeling
• talk to others if you're feeling isolated, contact our MHFAs
• be patient and kind to yourself
• plan ahead
• manage relationships where possible
• write down realistic expectations or talk these through with someone
• try not to have heightened or over expectations
• avoid social comparisons
• get involved in your local community
• help and support others
• don't look back at things you can't change
• talk to others and create conversations

There's further information about mental health support, employees can also access our mental health first aider network over Christmas.

Let’s Chat Derbyshire Podcast

Have a listen to the Let’s Chat Derbyshire Podcast. Hosted by Derbyshire's mental health and suicide prevention team. Join us for discussions with a range of people about mental health, suicide prevention and neurodiversity. Episodes live on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month.

Follow @DCCMHSP on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date on a whole range of information, posts and videos focused on mental health, suicide prevention and neurodiversity.