Wishing everyone well this christmas
Maybe because Christmas is *supposed* to be a happy family time is the reason it may be difficult for some, in fact for many! Whilst some people may be in a position to really enjoy christmas and embrace it, some of us will struggle and others may simply put up with it.
Here are some ideas if it all gets too much !
Christmas is short-lived, it’s just one day or if you count the whole thing it’s a week at the most. Putting things in perspective is a good idea if you feel any distress. Remembering that feelings may be heightened during this time and that you’re likely to feel very different once christmas is over is helpful.
Taking a brisk walk and getting some exercise can often make people feel better and help to reduce negative thinking.
Use tricks to distract a troubled mind such as watching a christmas comedy, reading, knitting or doing a crossword. If your thoughts and feelings are escalating and you are struggling to manage them try focussing your mind by using techniques such as counting backwards or playing ‘I went to the shop – the alphabet game’ in your head. I’ve been there and done it, in fact I think I played the alphabet game for an hour once!
Try to Identify or name your feelings and thought types as they arise and see if this works for you. When you feel distressed name the feeling or thought, for example: ‘Anger,’ ‘Sadness, ‘ ‘Loneliness, ‘ ‘catastrophic thinking,’ or ‘jumping to conclusions,’ this can help you to remain objective.
Try not to drink too much alcohol
Remember: It’s just a day, like any other day!
See what’s going on in nature – take a look at the world around you. The photo of the Robin makes me smile, sometimes nature can really help me put things into perspective!
Remember life isn’t perfect.
If you need to talk to someone and feel distressed there are many numbers you can call and people want to help! The numbers are listed below.
TELEPHONE NUMBERS IF YOU NEED TO TALK !
Samaritans: 08457 909090 or email jo@samaritans.org
Dial House is somewhere you can visit if you can’t cope – Open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Call to make an appointment 0113 260 9328 (Leeds)
Connect Helpline: 0808 800 12 12 Provides up to an hour of emotional support by telephone. Open 6pm -10.30pm every night of the year. (Leeds)
Saneline: 0845 767 8000 1pm – 11pm Offering emotional support and information
NHS Direct; Health advice and information: 0845 4647
Thanks for reading, keep well and warm xx
If you have any tips or ideas to keep well please leave a comment !
Thanks Vicky 😉
Leeds Wellbeing Web 
Thanks for your Xmas post and advice, I remember in the early stages of recovery, holidays like this seemed unbearably long, Samaritans were a life line and Dial House, so I can recommend them. The experience of mental distress can be heightened this time of year It often appears everyone else is enjoying them self, even when you can see through that facade, it can be a difficult time, The demands of feeling obliged to take part in some aspect of the rituals, cards,
presents etc.can also be stressful. Yes the robin sure is a cheery sight.
Su
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Thanks Su,
Thanks for recommending the Samaritans and Dial House. I think you are right when you say that even when you can see through the facade it can still be difficult. I’ve tried to be very low-key about it this year – i’m hoping the weather is better tomorrow so I can have a nice walk at some point and get some day light. On a postive note the nights are now getting lighter ! That’s a nice thought XX
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