Coping at Christmas
Christmas can negatively affect our mental health.
Christmas is shown as perfect in the movies but real life isn’t the same as a Christmas film.
There can be many reasons why you might struggle around Christmas time. Some of these can include:
- Worrying about money
- Expectations about how the build up and day itself has to be perfect
- You’re going through a difficult time
- Someone you care about is going through a difficult time
- You think other religious festivals get overlooked because of Christmas
- People you care about aren’t around
- You’re in hospital or a care home
- Christmas makes you feel lonely
- Worried about letting people down with your gifts
There are lots of other reasons why people struggle around Christmas time. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate Christmas. It is your Christmas and you should spend this how feels best for you.
Things to do to help you cope over Christmas:
- Try not to compare yourself to others. Most people’s Christmas’ don’t look like what is shown on the movies or social media. Take a break from social media if this is setting unrealistic expectations
- Take part in a group activity or hobby. You can join a community group or volunteer to support others around this time of year
- Practice self-care. You can say ‘no’ to things that might overwhelm you, giving yourself time to rest and reducing stress
- Be active. Being active helps our mental wellbeing. Try to be active outside if you can, getting fresh air and being in nature also helps our mental wellbeing
- Be organized If you take regular medication, check you have enough to last you over the Christmas period. If not, order more in advance.
- Ask for help if you need it and let people know you are struggling
Click here for some more tips to help you manage your mental health this Christmas.
It might be helpful if you can think about what makes Christmas difficult for you and if there is anything you can do to help you cope. An example of this would be if you feel lonely at Christmas, you could volunteer, listen to a podcast or plan activities to help you pass time on the day.
Getting help:
If you need to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, you can call:
- NHS 111 Option 2 – Please click here and follow the on-screen instructions. This service is totally free and confidential. Families can call NHS 111 and choose Option 2,24 hours a day, seven days a week and speak to a qualified call handler if they require advice around urgent mental health concerns. Please note however that the NHS 111 line is not an emergency service.
- Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide – If you are having thoughts about suicide or are concerned for a young person who might be, you can contact HOPELINEUK for confidential support and practical advice. Text: 0778 620 9697
- Samaritans – If you need someone to talk to, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 for free, many time, day or night. You can also speak to them online via a chat.
- Crisis Messenger – The Mix – The mix has a crisis messenger text service, which provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you’re aged 25 or under, and are experiencing any painful emotion or are in crisis, you can text THEMIX to 85258.
- SHOUT – Feeling worried or low? Need to talk? Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for free and confidential support, 24/7. Texting the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 is anonymous and will not show up on your phone bill.
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) provides a helpline and online chat, as well as information and support, for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts.
Click here for a list of useful contacts
Click here for ways to help yourself in a crisis.
Click here if your life is at risk right now.
Find help in your local area
Find help in your local area
Find out what services are available to you in your area. Remember your school nurse is always there to give you confidential help and support.