How Christmas May Affect Mental Health

23^rd December 2024

While Christmas and New Year are often associated with excitement and joy, they can also bring challenges that strain our mental, emotional, physical, and financial well-being. For many, the festive season can feel overwhelming for a variety of reasons. It’s okay if you’re not feeling joyful at this time of year. Below, you’ll find advice and resources to help navigate these challenges.

Why Christmas Can Be Challenging
Christmas can impact mental health in different ways, whether you celebrate it personally or experience it indirectly. The season often brings additional pressures and heightened expectations that may feel difficult to manage. You might find Christmas challenging if you:

• Feel stressed or overwhelmed by the season, especially if you’re dealing with other life events.
• Experience loneliness or feel left out because others appear happy when you’re not.
• Struggle with societal ideas of a "perfect" Christmas that don’t match your experiences.
• Feel pressure to enjoy Christmas, or worry about disruptions to your plans or expectations.
• Reflect on difficult memories, regret past actions, or feel anxious about the upcoming year.
• Celebrate other holidays that may not receive the same recognition, leaving you feeling overlooked.
• Want to support someone who is struggling during this time.

Common Challenges of the Festive Season
Christmas can be tough for anyone, whether it’s the first time you’re struggling or a recurring difficulty. You may find some parts of the season enjoyable while others feel overwhelming. Some common challenges include:

• Financial Strain: The cost of gifts, travel, and celebrations can create stress.
• Practical Issues: Planning, hosting, or meeting seasonal expectations may feel burdensome.
• Loss and Absence: Missing loved ones or facing reminders of those who are no longer with us.
• Loneliness: Feeling isolated or disconnected during a time associated with togetherness.
• Difficult Relationships: Strained family dynamics or unresolved conflicts may resurface.
• Societal Pressures: External messages about how you "should" feel or celebrate can be frustrating.
• Limited Support: Reduced access to services and support during the holidays can be challenging.
• Health Concerns: Being unwell or spending the holidays in hospital can magnify feelings of stress or isolation.

It’s Okay to Feel This Way
If you’re struggling with your mental health this Christmas, remember that you’re not alone, and it’s okay to acknowledge these feelings. Whether you find solace in talking to someone, taking small steps to care for yourself, or accessing support, there are ways to navigate this challenging time. You are deserving of care, compassion, and understanding especially from yourself.

Tips for Maintaining Mental Wellbeing During Christmas
The festive season can bring joy and excitement but also challenges to our mental health. Below are practical tips to help you navigate the holidays with balance and self-care:

• Give Back to the Community - Spread joy by volunteering or donating gifts and food. Organisations like the Salvation Army, Crisis, and local food banks always appreciate support during the festive season.
• Avoid Comparisons and Unrealistic Expectations - It’s easy to get caught up in what others are doing or buying. Avoid unhealthy comparisons and focus on what works for you.
• Cook Something Special - Cooking is a creative and rewarding activity that promotes a sense of accomplishment. Enjoy festive treats in moderation, as overindulgence can leave you feeling sluggish.
• Practice Self-Care - Regular time-outs can prevent stress and help maintain your energy. Whether it’s stepping away from work, family, or holiday preparations, self-compassion is essential. Treat yourself kindly.
• Create a Festive Playlist - Music releases dopamine, the "feel-good" chemical in the brain. A holiday playlist can boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve sleep, motivation, and memory.
• Prioritise Sleep - Sleep is essential for both mental and physical health. Keep it a top priority during the holidays by sticking to your routine.
• Connect with Loved Ones - Building and maintaining close relationships fosters a sense of purpose and belonging. Even if you can’t see loved ones in person, technology can help you stay connected.
• Stick to a Routine - Winter mornings can make it hard to get out of bed, but maintaining a consistent routine is important, especially if you're working from home. Set a schedule to create structure and stability in your day.
• Plan and Prioritise - Create a holiday agenda to balance social commitments with self-care. Set boundaries, outline what makes you happy, and include time for activities you enjoy, such as watching a favorite movie or reading.
• Take a Winter Walk - A walk outdoors is a simple way to boost your mood and incorporate exercise into your day. Fresh air and physical activity are great for both mental and physical health.
• Get Creative with Decorations - Arts and crafts can reduce anxiety and depression while fostering creativity. Try making your own DIY Christmas decorations for a fun and calming activity.
• Practice Mindfulness - Mindfulness helps us stay present and appreciate the moment. Daily mindfulness exercises, meditation, yoga, or breathing techniques can improve mental wellbeing. Use apps like Calm to guide your practice.

Remember, It’s Okay to Struggle
Mental health challenges don’t take a holiday, and for some, Christmas can even be a trigger. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or emotional, focus on the things you can control and take small steps to care for yourself. We hope these tips help you find balance and joy during the festive season. Wishing you a peaceful and happy Christmas!

If you feel impacted by these pressures, you may wish to prioritise your wellbeing in the new year by arranging talking therapy sessions with one of our therapists.

If you are feeling you cannot cope during the bank holiday closures you can contact the NHS Derbyshire Mental Health Support Line which operates 24 hours a day 0800 028 0077.

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