To support individuals across the region who might be struggling, we wanted to share some practical tips to help people prioritise their wellbeing at this time of year.
In the run up to the festive season, many of us are looking forward to joy and celebration, but for some, Christmas can bring challenges, such as stress, loneliness, or anxiety.
To support individuals across the region who might be struggling, we wanted to share some practical tips to help people prioritise their wellbeing at this time of year.
It’s estimated that 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem at some point each year, and with the added financial and social pressures of the festive period, many people can be left feeling overwhelmed.
We’re committed to making sure anyone in the community experiencing a mental health issue has somewhere to turn to for advice, information and support, and our Christmas coping tips are designed to assist those who may find the festive season particularly difficult to navigate.
Our top tips:
Tip 1: Plan ahead
If maintaining a routine is important to you, try and include as much of your normal schedule into your Christmas plans as possible. This can help minimise feelings of disruption.
Making a list or setting a budget can also help you prepare for the additional expenses and social gatherings that often accompany Christmas. This will help you feel more in control and will make everything seem more manageable.
Tip 2: Talk to others
Let people around you know if you are struggling. Be open and let them know what they can do to support your wellbeing. Remember – you don’t need to justify yourself or your feelings.
Tip 3: Look after yourself
Be gentle and patient with yourself and remember to prioritise your own needs at Christmas. This may include setting personal boundaries with friends and family.
Tip 4: Access support
There are also ways you can access support if you need it:
Sally Arscott, Solent Mind CEO, said: “Christmas can be a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be challenging for those struggling with their mental health. Financial pressures, social expectations, and feelings of loneliness may leave people feeling less able to cope.
“This set of tips is designed to help with that. We want people to remember that it’s okay to prioritise their own wellbeing at this time of year, and to seek support if they’re finding it difficult.”
If you need support over the festive season, please visit www.solentmind.org.uk/support-for-you/.
Our service opening hours may vary over the festive period, but please see our Christmas and New Year opening times for an up-to-date list. There may also be a delay in responding to your messages or emails.
Solent Mind’s crisis centres, The Lighthouse in Bitterne and Shirley, and The South West Hampshire Safe Haven in Eastleigh, will remain open across the whole Christmas period. However, if you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis and is in need of urgent mental health support, please call 111 or visit our urgent help page.
And if you’d like more information about managing your mental health over the winter months, please download our Winter Wellbeing Toolkit.
Back to all news Become a member
Solent Mind’s Digital Skills Team has recently reached an incredible milestone and has celebrated the support it has provided to 500 service users in our local communities.
Representatives from a selection of Hampshire businesses gathered for a Solent Mind breakfast event this week, to discuss the pressing issue of mental health in the workplace.
On International Men’s Day (Tuesday, 19 November), Jan Godden is bringing attention to the critical issue of men’s mental health while honouring her late son, Joe.
