Well, it is approaching that time of year again. It comes around so fast, doesn’t it? Fun fact, as we get older, time seems to pass quicker (even though it doesn’t) due to chemical reactions in our bodies.
So now the holidays are fast approaching again and will be upon us before we know it, I wanted to take the opportunity this month to just talk about some self-care. This year, as I’m sure you will all agree, has been a complete and utter mess.
It feels, simultaneously, as though it has flashed past and dragged on, but we are close to the end of the year once more.
It is a time we usually use to celebrate and gather, see our families, our friends, (that one relative that insists on giving you socks!).
This year we all know it will be different, we are all under the cloud of a virus that has spread rapidly and taken far too many precious lives.
However, just because things are different this year, doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy yourselves and find the enjoyment that this time of year can bring. But first things first!
We all know that our mental health doesn’t give us the holidays off, it doesn’t take a break and leave us be until we are ready to pick it back up again. It is estimated that more than half of people with mental health have considered harming themselves during the Christmas period and just under half have considered taking their own life.
These are awful statistics to read, but they need to be acknowledged. The festive period causes an upsurge in stress, anxiety and depression and we need to ensure we are doing everything we can to minimise its impact.
There are several key reasons why this time of year is particularly hard, just a few are:
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Financial Difficulties – We all struggle with money and it’s hard to cope with during our day-to-day lives, but at Christmas it becomes even harder. 30-41% of people get into debt over Christmas.
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Loneliness – Many people struggle with this all year, but it can be especially difficult at Christmas, and even more so this year. 83% of people feel lonely over Christmas.
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Stress – Another thing that we all live with daily but again this gets progressively worse towards December and 81% of people experience increased levels of stress during this time resulting in 76% of people having trouble sleeping and 60% experiencing panic attacks.
I don’t want to be the person just listing statistics and saying what we have to cope with, but it does need saying so people are aware of how difficult it can be to cope with mental health over this period. So what can we do?
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Keep to a budget! There is no reason Christmas needs to be lavish and luxury, I know that is the message that is put out into the world a lot of the time, but it can be special without breaking the bank. Try making some presents instead of buying them, crafting is great for mental health and it shows how much thought you have given someone.
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Plan ahead. Try to make a plan for yourself so you know when you are going to shop or what you are going to cook, what will you need? How long will it all take? Planning can be so helpful in a time of uncertainty, but don’t berate yourself if you find it hard to stick to, it’s a guide to help you cope, not a rule to adhere to.
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Learn to say no and breathe. It is okay to tell people no. It is a hard thing to do indeed, but you should not feel bad for having to say it. Take some time for yourself and above all give yourself time and space to just breathe.
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Lastly, reach out and connect. We should all attempt to reach out to those who are isolated, Loneliness doesn’t just affect those of us with mental health it can affect everyone. This year just ask how someone is doing, have a chat with them, let them know they aren’t alone. That neighbour who you try to avoid because of how long they talk might be desperate for human contact. That friend who always seems so confident and social may be lonelier than you know.
Take care of yourselves and others over the holidays. Remember that no matter what anybody says, you are valuable and special and the world needs that. I will leave you with two of my favourite quotes for the holidays which, for me, sum up everything I’m trying to say. Take care and stay safe in body and mind.
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Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts. – Janice Maeditere
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Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” ― Dr Seuss
