There are many reasons we can find Christmas triggering. For one thing, it seems to start earlier every year. We spoke to some of Open Mental Health’s volunteers to get some guidance and advice on how to stay well during the festive season.
“When my children were younger, as soon as September came, something on the telly would mention Christmas, and I’d start to feel anxious and a bit sick. I love Christmas now because I’ve learnt how to celebrate it in a way that’s right for me”
Another volunteer describes feeling “pressure from September to Christmas Eve to prepare for this thing.” The anticipation and preparation, beginning so early in the year, can be overwhelming for many people.
We often find that our financial situation can’t match societal expectations. One member of the OMH team explains that, despite loving Christmas, she felt the expectations were overwhelming: “I was preparing for this thing that really didn’t have anything much to do with why I celebrate Christmas.” Another felt pressured to “go along on this bus that I didn’t want to be on.”
These expectations are often fuelled by an overly idealised image of what the holidays should be like. The pressure created by media portrayals of Christmas plays a big part: “Don’t believe the adverts you see on the telly: all the happy families, you know, getting together and it all being perfect.”
If we buy into the media glitz and glam, we end up with unrealistic expectations, and this can be deeply triggering when we struggle to live up to what we ought to think of as a Christmas mirage.
When it comes to financial pressures, our team members recommend rejecting the consumer push of Christmas. Don’t feel pressured into getting expensive gifts or believing “you have to buy anything” to have a meaningful holiday. As one points out, “the greatest gift you can give someone is your attention”—simply being present with people who matter to you can be the most valuable aspect of the season.
Stepping back from societal expectations and focusing on genuine connections can be a powerful way to reduce anxiety and improve mental health at any time of year, especially so at Christmas.
Taking a look at the triggers
Taking a Look at the Triggers
Money: Financial pressure can cause extra stress and anxiety during Christmas.
Social events: The pressure to attend gatherings can be overwhelming.
Relationships: Strained dynamics can add tension during family gatherings.
Grief: Missing a loved one can make Christmas an emotionally difficult time.
Loneliness: Feeling alone during a festive period can increase a sense of isolation.
Mental health issues: Christmas can intensify existing mental health struggles.
Concern for friends and family: Worrying about someone else’s mental or physical health can be draining.
Eating disorder: Food-focused celebrations can be challenging and triggering for people living with eating disorders. Read more our blog.
The OMH Festive Wellbeing Kit
Knowing what can trigger poor mental health at Christmas is one thing, but what can we do to prevent problems from arising and keep ourselves happy and well? To answer that question, Open Mental Health has created a Festive Wellbeing Kit to help you stay in good mental and physical health.
OMH is an alliance of local voluntary organisations, the NHS and social care, Somerset Council, and individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges. The Festive Wellbeing Kit has resources and advice from our network of partners. You’ll find practical and preventative steps and support options focused on health and wellbeing, families and young people, food and socialising, and loneliness and caring.
Discover What the Kit Contains
Health and Wellbeing: Staying Supported During the Festive Season
This section offers a range of support services to help maintain your health and wellbeing over the holidays. The kit has you covered, from mental health crisis support, advice and guidance from Citizens Advice Somerset, and physical activity resources to volunteering opportunities and peer support groups.
Christmas Support for Families and Young People
The festive period can be incredibly challenging for families and young people, with pressures ranging from financial strain to social anxiety. This section offers opportunities to connect, take part in fun activities, and find support from local services dedicated to helping young people and families feel more at ease this holiday season.
Dealing with the Challenges of Food and Socialising
This section offers guidance from SWEDA for people dealing with eating disorders. Find support for the pressures and challenges that festive gatherings can cause, where food and social expectations make the season particularly stressful.
Loneliness and Carers Support for Christmas
This section has support resources from Age UK, Somerset Carers Service, and Diversity Voice, offering practical help for those feeling lonely or caring for someone over the holidays. Services include friendly phone calls, carers groups, and community connection for people facing isolation.
Festive Mental Health Triggers: You’re Not Alone
Open Mental Health has services available over the holidays to help keep you well. Call Mindline Somerset 24/7 for mental health support at any time of the day or night and get the help you need when you need it on 01823 276 892 or freephone 0800 138 1692. Alternatively, Mindline Live Web Chat is available on the Open Mental Health website every day from 8 pm to 11 pm.
Crisis Safe Space offers out-of-hours appointments for anyone really 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 listen and help.
Self-help tips for good festive mental health
Keep things in perspective: “Don’t believe the adverts you see on telly”, and avoid the pressure that comes from unrealistic media portrayals of a perfect Christmas.
Don’t break the bank: Reject consumer pressure and remember that, and remember, “you don’t have to buy anything” for Christmas to make it meaningful. Instead, focus on the non-material aspects of the holiday.
Make agreements with family: One OMH volunteer made a deal with her sister not to buy each other presents, which helped reduce financial pressure and stress. Consider the same kind of non-gift pact with your family members.
Be present and be the best present: The greatest gift you can give to loved ones is your attention. Spending quality time together, rather than focusing on gifts, makes for a much more meaningful holiday experience.
Set boundaries: Make agreements with family about what you’re comfortable with during the holidays. This way, you can opt out of events that cause you stress and avoid overcommitting yourself.
Socialising: Don’t feel pressured to attend every social event. It can be overwhelming. It’s okay to say no to protect your mental health.
Plan some quiet time: Allow yourself time to rest and recharge during the holidays. Setting aside some “me time” can help you stay balanced and well.
Connect with supportive people: Spend time with those who make you feel good; avoid those who create stress.
Cut back on the scrolling: Limit your social media exposure; we often compare our holiday to others’ and think unhappy thoughts. Limiting time on social media can help reduce this pressure.
Explore our holiday wellbeing articles
Explore our Festive Wellbeing Kit
Somerset Christmas mental health support
The challenges of eating disorders at Christmas