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

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Courtney_J

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24/11/2021 at 11:53

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Courtney_J

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Last activity on 13/10/2022 at 16:47

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Hello everyone,

How are you doing? emoticon cute

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:

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.
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.
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!
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.
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

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Dolphin74

29/11/2021 at 21:22

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Dolphin74

Last activity on 17/06/2025 at 19:31

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Im not keen on Christmas I feel you have to please everyone keep everyone happy and I get stressed about it

Mental health and the Christmas season: How do you cope? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/depression/living-with-behavioural-disorders-mental-illne/mental-health-and-the-christmas-season-how-do-you-cope-4431 2021-11-29 21:22:13

ZoeLara

17/12/2022 at 10:11

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ZoeLara

Last activity on 08/07/2025 at 18:38

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That is a helpful post thank you

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Sheila Mulhall

robjmckinney

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17/12/2022 at 11:23

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robjmckinney

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Last activity on 09/07/2025 at 00:51

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Christmas is for children , as adults, family it is our job to faciltate their experience. I have less sympathy with adults expecting a similar experience, yes there are pressures etc. today but Christmas is for children!

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robjmckinney

Mandy59

17/12/2022 at 12:58

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Mandy59

Last activity on 29/06/2025 at 16:09

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I don’t like Christmas, l would like to hibernate until it’s over. I think it’s over rated and has become too commercialised.

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M.Flood

lesmal

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18/12/2022 at 09:23

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lesmal

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Last activity on 10/07/2025 at 10:05

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I'm no longer a fan of Christmas. It is for children who get enjoyment from it just as I did as a child. Regret, it is too commercialised and so much money is wasted. This could all be donated to charity. Christmas gets quieter each year as I do not celebrate it having family living so far apart.

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Les

vince234

Edited on 22/12/2022 at 17:27

vince234

Last activity on 20/12/2022 at 02:55

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premuim pharmacy is a place where you can get medication for attention deficit disorder, depression etc
Good luck

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16/07/2019 at 12:02

I take each day as it comes, try to have a focus for that day. Today is pretty good, but it gives me a nudge every now and again. H

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jenlei14

16/07/2019 at 12:02

I take each day as it comes, try to have a focus for that day. Today is pretty good, but it gives me a nudge every now and again. H

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