Self Care at Christmas

Christmas, the period around it, and winter in general can bring moments of real joy, but they can also present a challenge to many. Tensions can arise, old wounds can reopen, or illness can strike. The triggers, pressure, and mental load of the festive season can certainly take their toll, making us feel less than joyful.

Mental health issues at Christmas affect more of us than you might think. A survey from YouGov found that a quarter of people say that Christmas makes their mental health worse, while a survey from the Mental Health Foundation found that 54% of people were worried about the mental health of someone they know at Christmas.

Christmas might impact your mental health if you:

Wish you could avoid the holiday or feel overwhelmed due to other life events.
Feel isolated or left out because others seem happy when you don’t.
Get frustrated by society’s expectations of a “perfect” Christmas that don’t align with your experiences.
Feel pressured to enjoy the holiday or worry something might ruin it.
Look forward to Christmas as a distraction, then struggle when it ends.
Reflect on painful memories, regret past actions, or feel anxious about the new year.
Feel overlooked if you celebrate other holidays that receive less recognition.
Want to celebrate with someone who is facing difficulties.

If you or those you are supporting need a break to think about things from a different perspective, or if things are feeling tricky, here are some gentle resources and articles suggested by our Clinical Services team that might make you feel a little brighter.

Coping Strategies with Mind

If you have specific concerns this Christmas, Mind has strategies to help you cope. Their website covers subjects such as:

Money worries.
Practical issues.
People who aren’t around.
Loneliness.
Difficult situations and relationships.
Society and the outside world.
Access to support and services.
Being in hospital.

Find out more here.

Mind also offers practical steps for seeking help, such as phoning their helpline. Their resources are designed to help individuals manage overwhelming feelings, find a safe space, and connect with professional support to navigate their crisis more effectively.

The Samaritans

The Samaritans can be a vital resource for those struggling during the festive season. Christmas can bring heightened feelings of loneliness, stress, or emotional distress, and Samaritans provide a 24/7 helpline for anyone needing a listening ear. They emphasise that no matter what someone is experiencing—whether it’s isolation, grief, family issues, or simply feeling overwhelmed—trained volunteers are available to offer confidential, judgment-free support.

#OptionBThere

Those who’ve experienced hardship—like the loss of a loved one or a painful divorce—are twice as likely to associate the holidays with negative feelings like sadness, loneliness, and worry. While you can’t change what your family and friends have been through, you can show them how much you care. #OptionBThere is here to help you find the right words and thoughtful actions to support your loved ones.

Self-Care Podcasts

Every month our Clinical Services team deliver a newsletter to our staff and Foster Carers with the aim of sharing therapeutic research, insights and wellbeing advice. Below is a list of their recommended listening, covering subjects such as childhood development, mindfulness and stress management.

Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Gretchen Rubin is happier, and in her podcast, she wants listeners to feel happier too! In this episode, Gretchen hosts a discussion regarding how making a mindful investment in oneself is a good way to spend our energy, our time, and our money. Gretchen also discusses a hack for falling asleep more easily, and there is a segment about nostalgia too. You can listen to the episode here.

2. The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett

Steven Bartlett launched ‘The Diary of a CEO’ podcast to go on a journey into the remarkable stories of people who have defined culture, achieved greatness, and created stories worth exploring. In his podcast, Steven sits down with some of the most influential experts and thinkers to discover untold truths, unlearned lessons, and important insights. In this episode, Steven speaks to Dr Gabor Mate, a physician who is an expert in addiction, stress, and childhood development. In this episode, Gabor and Steven discuss matters such as the importance of saying no, why gut feelings are everything, and why you need healthy anger. You can listen to the podcast episode here.

3. All in the Mind on BBC Radio 4

BC Radio 4 is the host of ‘All in the Mind’, a show that dives into how we think, feel, and behave. Claudia Hammond, the host of the show, delves into evidence on psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. In this episode, Claudia speaks to psychologist Dr Tom Curran about the pressure to be perfect. Such pressure can come from society, via social media, or from our friends and family, to list a few examples. The pair are also joined by Dr Peter Olusoga, a sports psychologist, who shares the experiences of burnt-out athletes, and the balance between striving to win, and a more holistic approach. Listen to the podcast here.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

If you’re looking for something to raise your spirits this Christmas, watch the animated version of Charlie Mackesy’s lovely book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. Check out a sweet 30 second trailer here for a taster of this beautifully gentle look at life and cherishing ourselves and each other.