A sanctuary for your mental health
The Crisis Safe Space animation above highlights the importance of an out-of-hours sanctuary for those struggling with their mental health. With the upcoming Christmas period posing emotional and mental health concerns for many, the animation sheds light on a crucial resource: Crisis Safe Space, an alternative to conventional emergency services. It’s the story of a woman who, amid mental health struggles, reached out to Crisis Safe Space for support. Rather than navigating hectic hospital emergency services or facing the silence of solitude, the animation illustrates the transformative impact of connecting with a compassionate Crisis Safe Space team member. Through this visual journey, you can discover the power of empathy and compassionate assistance in fostering mental wellbeing during times of critical distress.
What is Crisis Safe Space?
Crisis Safe Space is an out-of-hours service provided by our partners, Mind in Somerset and Second Step, for anyone who feels like they are struggling with their mental health. Instead of going to A&E, making an urgent doctor’s appointment, or suffering in silence, you can arrange a one-to-one session with a Crisis Safe Space team member who will be willing to listen and able to help.
Just like we take care of our physical health when we’re unwell, it’s crucial to take care of our mental wellbeing when we’re going through a tough time emotionally. It’s okay to ask for help, and Crisis Safe Space has the people and resources available to provide support and assistance.
Why are mental health crises common at Christmas?
The festive season can be emotionally challenging for many of us. The expenses of gift-giving, travel, and other holiday activities can cause financial strain. There can be pressure to create the “perfect” holiday experience, and heightened expectations can lead to stress and feelings of inadequacy.
While many people enjoy social gatherings, not all do, and others may feel isolated or lonely during the holidays, especially if they don’t have close family or friends nearby or have lost loved ones, and the new year may prompt reflection on personal achievements and setbacks, which can be emotionally challenging.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be an issue too. For some people, the decrease in sunlight during the winter months contributes to symptoms of depression.
Mental health at Christmas: a challenging picture in numbers
According to Mental Health UK, 84% of us find Christmas to be stressful or triggering, 77% think their mental health problems worsen during the festive period, 73% experience loneliness and isolation even when surrounded by other people, and 75% feel pressure to enjoy Christmas or put on a pretence.
A recent study by Rethink Mental Illness confirms these findings: 77% said they feel lonely and isolated, 84% that the symptoms of mental illness are worse, and 88% feel they must pretend to enjoy the holidays.
A 2015 survey by Mind showed that more than a third (36%) of people with mental health problems had self-harmed to cope with the pressure of Christmas, more than half (52%) had considered harming themselves, and nearly half (45%) had considered taking their own life.
What is a mental health crisis?
A mental health crisis is a time when you, a friend, or a family member struggle to cope with thoughts and emotions, and they become overwhelming. During a crisis, someone might feel like they can’t handle what’s going on in their mind. This can happen for many reasons, like extreme stress, emotional pain, or feeling that everything is too much to handle.
During a mental health crisis, a person might feel intense emotions, sadness, anxiety, or panic. They might have trouble thinking clearly, making decisions, or even getting through the day. It’s important to recognise these signs in yourself or others and reach out for support, and Crisis Safe Space is there to give you that support.
What is a safe space?
Our safe spaces are supportive environments where someone experiencing a mental health crisis can seek refuge, comfort, and assistance. They offer a calm, secure, and understanding atmosphere that provides temporary respite for people struggling with overwhelming emotions or thoughts.
Crisis Safe Space appointments are available in-person at locations in Bridgwater, Glastonbury, Taunton, Yeovil and Frome and remotely by phone or zoom wherever you are in Somerset. Whether in-person or remote, they offer a non-judgemental setting where people feel heard and respected. At a Crisis Safe Space appointment, you’ll receive emotional support and, if needed, guidance on accessing additional help or services.
A story of crisis—one user’s journey
Sally* has reached out to Crisis Safe Space at times in her life that were dark and distressing. “Crisis Safe Space has supported me on many occasions over the past couple of years when I have been struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide. They have welcomed me in my moments of desperation, providing me with reassurance and compassion and a safe place to just ‘be’.”
Sally reflects that the Crisis Safe Space team listen without judgment or expectation: “There has never been any pressure to talk or explain myself or to do anything, and I have benefitted so much from just having someone sitting alongside me in my periods of mental health crisis.”
Having someone listen to us during a mental health crisis is crucial as it provides a compassionate and non-judgmental space to express thoughts and feelings. When we share our struggles, it can alleviate the burden of isolation and offer a sense of validation and understanding. A supportive listener helps us gain perspective, explore coping mechanisms, and builds a connection that contributes to our sense of wellbeing.
Sally says, “Sometimes, I have needed to just express my feelings or to share my intrusive thoughts with someone who could hold them without judgment. Sometimes, I have needed someone to help me plan how to get through the next couple of hours or days.”
Noisy and loud environments can exacerbate the challenges of a mental health crisis, increasing stress levels and triggering or intensifying anxiety and other mental health symptoms. A hectic atmosphere can make it difficult to focus our thoughts or communicate effectively, hindering our ability to cope with the crisis.
Sally explains the benefits of the tranquil setting offered by Crisis Safe Space. “Crisis Safe Space has always felt safe and calming, in contrast to the environment of alternative places such as A&E, where there are crowds of people, lots of noise and bright lights. This has really helped me to cope better with my distress and to ground myself more quickly instead of my senses being heightened, which would have caused me to become even more dysregulated.”
Sally reflects on her experience with Crisis Safe Space, “The people who have listened to me at Crisis Safe Space have been so caring and validating. They have given me time and space to explore options and supported me to reach a place of safety. It has been so valuable and so appreciated.”
*Names have been changed to preserve confidentiality
How to get help:
If you seek help there are no judgements.
If you or someone you know struggles with an out-of-hours mental health crisis this Christmas, book a session with the Crisis Safe Space team by visiting the Crisis Safe Space page, calling Mindline Somerset on 01823 276 892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.
Mindline Somerset remains open and available to offer support every day 24/7 over the Christmas period.
Christmas Opening Times for Crisis Safe Space
Date | Details |
---|---|
Friday 22nd December | Face-to-face sessions in Glastonbury, Taunton, Yeovil & Bridgwater from 6pm until 11pm. |
Saturday 23rd December | Remote service available via phone or Zoom - Somerset wide from 6pm until 11pm. |
Sunday 24th December | Remote service available via phone or Zoom - Somerset wide from 6pm until 11pm. |
Monday 25th December | Remote service available via phone or Zoom - Somerset wide from 6pm until 11pm. |
Tuesday 26th December | Remote service available via phone or Zoom - Somerset wide from 6pm until 11pm. |
Wednesday 27th December | Remote service available via phone or Zoom - Somerset wide from 6pm until 11pm. |
Thursday 28th December | Remote service available via phone or Zoom - Somerset wide from 6pm until 11pm. |
Friday 29th December | Remote service available via phone or Zoom - Somerset wide from 6pm until 11pm. |
Saturday 30th December | Remote service available via phone or Zoom - Somerset wide from 6pm until 11pm. |
Sunday 31st December | Remote service available via phone or Zoom - Somerset wide from 6pm until 11pm. |
Monday 1st January | Remote service available via phone or Zoom - Somerset wide from 6pm until 11pm. |
Tuesday 2nd January | Face-to-face sessions in Glastonbury, Taunton, Yeovil & Bridgwater from 6pm until 11pm. |