Festive Help

Christmas is a time of joy and laughter. Friends and family coming together. Food, lots of it. It is the most wonderful and happy time of the year. At least that is how it is portrayed.

I think at this time of year it is important to remember that not everyone is in a good place. Christmas whether you are coping well or struggling is a time of huge stress and pressure. It comes only days after the shortest day of the year, which means that it is a prime time for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) to be in full effect. If you haven’t heard of SAD it’s quit likely that you have felt its effect, even if just a little. SAD is a form of depression in which one has a low mood caused by the season. Many people in the UK feel more down in winter due to the poor weather, shorter days and the cold. However SAD is not just in winter, it can be any season including summer. More information on SAD can be found on Mind’s website here: http://tinyurl.com/mkbc4xr7

The pressure to present a happy outer façade is also high at Christmas. Friends and family might be smiling, laughing, making merry, but inside it may be the opposite. There may be anxiety and depression lurking that the person feels they cannot show or express. After all who wants to feel like they ruined Christmas? Yet it is important if you feel this way to share with others and to seek help if needed. You won’t ruin Christmas.

Loneliness is also a problem, all year, but especial during the festive period. As we are bombarded with images of groups of people happily gathering and celebrating it can remind those that are alone of what they are without. It is important to have time to yourself, but at this time of year it can feel like you should be with others. If that is something you don’t have access to, it can be become more obvious and a pressure on your mind. If you know someone who is alone this time of year, go spend some time with them. Loneliness doesn’t have to mean that you are on your own. It is very likely that you can be in a crowded room with friends and family but still feel lonely. This can be part of a wider condition and general depression but is more common than you would think. Often people feel out of place or a lack of meaningful connection. If this is you, don’t worry, you are not alone.

Overall, enjoy the festive season, but also look out for each other. This time of year is special for many but can also be a nightmare for others. Look out for signs and don’t place pressure on others. If you are feeling unhappy, unwell or affected by any condition that seems to grow stronger or more intense at this time of year, reach out. Speak with those around you. If you are not comfortable doing that, then reach out to one of the many services that are able to support you. I’ll link some here.