For many, the festive season is a time for joy, frivolities and excitement at a fever pitch.
But for others, Christmas can be an incredibly triggering time, and the pressure to feel happy, excited and festive, sadly doesn’t always occur in some people.
Christmas, the clutter, chaos, noise, lights and sensory overload that come with it, not to mention financial worries, family pressures and increased workload.
Christmas can ultimately be overwhelming and traumatic for those with mental illnesses, in addition to this, Christmas can also be the trigger and cause of developing mental illnesses in some people and so we must be incredibly mindful and vigilant of those around us, so that nobody suffers in silence; check in on your friends, don’t press them to socialise at the Christmas party if they raincheck, go for coffee, take them for a winter walk, and be sensitive to the fact that even these small acts can be difficult for those suffering from a mental illness.
Similarly, self-care in the festive season is essential to avoiding burnout, triggering mental illnesses or episodes and ultimately just focusing on your own well-being. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the chaos that Christmas inevitably brings and even a hot bubble bath, an hour off of your phone or a quiet night in reading a book really can go a long way for supporting your mental health and well-being.
This Christmas, please ensure you look out for yourselves and those around you, random acts of kindness are much more appreciated than expensive presents under the tree.
Health is more important than wealth.