Coping with Christmas and the festive season

The festive season can often bring extra pressure, and your worries and fears may seem worse during this time of year because of what is happening around you. This can affect your mental health in different ways, so it’s important to be kind to yourself and take care of your wellbeing.

We have pulled together some information and advice that you may find useful.

Useful Resources

Community Living Well – festive season opening times

Grenfell Health & Wellbeing Service – Staying well during winter and festive season

SMART – view newsletter to see all the opening times and activities

RBKC Health and Wellbeing booklet

Warm Spaces – list of places where you can go to stay warm, get refreshments and connect with others.

St Francis is offering Christmas dinner on Christmas day after the service. Spaces must be booked in advance [email protected]

Tips and Advice

Take time for yourself

– pay attention to how you are feeling. Track your mood and look after your emotional health. Mind has information on how to identify what you’re feeling and ways to try and manage these feelings.

– focus on what you enjoy. It could be doing something creative, watching your favourite film or TV show, or spending time outdoors.

– take a break from social media and the internet in general, like reading the news. Take part in an activity like we mentioned above and have a break from your phone.

– it’s ok to say ‘no’. If it’s difficult for you to take part in something or you’re invited to an event or meet-up that you don’t want to go to, then politely decline. You don’t need any additional worry.

Connect with others

If you are feeling up to it, connecting with other people can help boost our mood.

– arrange to talk to people over the phone or via video call if you don’t want to go outside. This might be a trusted friend or family member who you’re comfortable opening up to.

– go online and connect with other people who might be spending Christmas alone. You could try Mind’s online community, Side by Side.

– engage with your local community. Some local events might not be happening, but you may be able to find virtual events to join. Take a look at the Community Living Well events calendar and see if there are activities you’d like to try.

Choose to not celebrate, if that feels easier

– tell others about your plans so they know whether or not to mention Christmas.

– exchange any gifts in advance.

– stay off social media and try to avoid festive adverts on TV or online.

– eat the same foods and do the same activities as you would any other day.

For more information and tips, visit the Mind website.

If you need additional support, you can refer to the Community Living Well service here.

If you need urgent help with a mental health crisis, see our list of contacts.

Author: Stewart Gillespie
Posted on: 15th December 2022