Mental health and the Christmas season: How do you cope?

Hello everyone,

How are you doing?

Now that the Christmas season is soon upon us, I thought I'd open this discussion for us to talk about mental health during this period. While for many the holidays are a period of joy, celebration, and gathering with family and friends, for others it is a time that brings sadness, loneliness, anxiety, or depression.  

Here are a few helpful tips for coping with stress and depression around the Christmas holidays:

1. Acknowledge your feelings: Take a moment now and then to check in with yourself and how you are feeling. Are things hectic at work? Did you have an argument with a friend? Have you lost someone close to you? Remember that it is normal to feel stress, frustration, sadness, or grief and that it is ok to take some time to express those feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the festive season.
2. Be open to change: While the greeting cards and films may create a certain image of the Christmas holidays, know that things don't have to be "perfect", or even like they were last year. As it was last year with the pandemic, they way we celebrate may be different, and that's ok. Find new ways to keep traditions alive or create new ones by connecting through pictures, emails or videos, or connect virtually through video call. Our Christmas plans may again look different this year (or not), but we can still find ways to celebrate.
3. Reach out: If you're feeling sad or lonely, reach out to someone and share how you feel. Talking to a friend or family member about your concerns can help, so don't be afraid to send a text or make a call or video chat. In these times many community, religious, or support groups have gone digital - check local websites or social media for online events or services for a sense of community or companionship. Helping others can also raise your spirits and deepen your friendships, consider sending a card or dropping off a meal to a friend this festive season!
4. Take a breather: Be attuned to your needs and make some time for yourself. Take a moment to do something you enjoy or find relaxing on your own, be it listening to music, reading a book, or going for a walk. Spending just 15 minutes on your own can be a great refresher.
5. Don't abandon healthy habits: Christmast time is a period often filled with good food and relaxing, but when it gets to be too much, the overindulgence can add to your stress or guilt. Try to:

• • Get enough sleep
  • Eat balanced, healthy meals
  • Have a healthy snack before a large meal so that you don't overindulge
  • Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity in each day
  • Try relaxation techniques when you need it, such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation
  • Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, or drug use
  • Don't be afraid to cut off the screens - our fast-paced information culture can be stressful and overwhelming, make sure to adjust the time you spend reading or watching the news or on social media if needed

And you, what do you think? What are the Christmas holidays like for you? Do you have a harder time with your mental health around Christmas and the winter period? How do you manage your mental health this time of year?
@nazza91‍ @Fiona2960‍ @BrianM‍ @Jellybean‍ @LeeBee‍ @Daisydef‍ @saalikkkk‍ @Chilin‍ @sidiculous‍ @stephanieannie‍ 

Don't hesitate to share with us here!

Take care,
Courtney