Self-help tools to stay well over the holiday season

The festive period can bring both joy and challenges, especially when financial pressures or emotional stresses are involved. If you need help this Christmas, contact Mindline Somerset on 01823 276 892 or freephone 0800 138 1692. Crisis Safe Space is available for additional support.

Here are some self-help strategies to look after your mental health during the holidays:

Coping with Money Worries

Christmas can be especially tough if you’re struggling financially. It might help to:

• Don’t break the bank: Reject consumer pressure and remember that you don’t have to buy anything for Christmas to make it meaningful. Instead, focus on the non-material aspects of the holiday.
• Access financial guidance. Citizens Advice Somerset can help you find the right help if bills or other financial concerns have you worried.
• Creating a budget and making a list of priority expenditures can help keep things manageable.
• Talk openly with loved ones about your situation so you can explore free or low-cost ways to celebrate. Making deals with family and friends not to buy each other presents can help reduce financial pressure and stress.
• Look for free events in our Festive Wellbeing Kit.
• Be kind to yourself. Financial worries can impact your mental health. Remember not to blame yourself for the situation.
• 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.

Be Mindful of your Wellbeing

Even though Christmas can be overwhelming, there are ways to protect yourself:

• Be gentle and set boundaries for yourself—don’t be afraid to say no to things that aren’t helpful.
• Keep things in perspective: As one OMH Expert by Experience says, “Don’t believe the adverts you see on telly”, and avoid the pressure that comes from unrealistic media portrayals of a perfect Christmas.
• Remind yourself that the holidays won’t last forever and set clear start and finish times for when you consider Christmas begins and ends.
• 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.
• Allow yourself to feel your emotions, even if they don’t match the festive mood around you.
• Take time out to do things that make you feel good, whether it’s watching a non-festive film, reading, or enjoying some quiet time.
• Make sure you get what you need, whether it’s a break or just a bit of space.

Planning Ahead

Anticipate challenges and prepare strategies to cope:

• If you’ll be somewhere unfamiliar, consider what might help you feel more comfortable.
• 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.
• Stick to parts of your usual routine to avoid feeling too disrupted, and gradually ease into holiday activities.
• 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.
• Draw on your own experience. What has helped you in the past, and what’s proved challenging? If you expect moments of distress, have a note of helpful strategies ready.
• Plan time in places that make you feel comfortable and avoid places that bring up difficult memories if you can.
• Make a list of any services you might need and their Christmas opening hours, and ensure you have enough medication to last.
• If you’re feeling lonely, consider creative projects or nature walks to pass the time or check out some of the many opportunities our partners offer below.
• Make plans to connect with loved ones, whether in person or through a phone or video call, but don’t feel pressured to attend every social event. It can be overwhelming. It’s okay to say no to protect your mental health.
• Try new traditions if old ones aren’t possible this year because of bereavement or family changes.
• Plan something nice to look forward to after Christmas.

Managing Relationships

Holiday gatherings can be stressful. Here are some ways to manage relationships:

• Think of responses to difficult questions ahead of time and be ready to change the topic if needed.
• Set clear expectations with others about budgets and plans in advance.
• Connect with supportive people: Spend time with those who make you feel good; avoid those who create stress.
• Share your feelings with others, but remember it’s not your responsibility to convince them or justify your needs.

Keeping Yourself Safe at Christmas

If you’re struggling this holiday season and thinking about suicide, support is available:

Reach out to friends, family, or services like Mindline Somerset (available 24/7), Crisis Safe Space, Papyrus or the Samaritans.