Support from Mind
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. But for some of us – it isn’t.
Christmas can be challenging. There’s a lot of pressure to have fun, which can be hard if you have a mental health problem. And some of us face the festive season alone or having lost loved ones, which can bring up difficult emotions.
We’re here for you. Get tips on prioritising your wellbeing during the festive season, whatever your experience, and have the mindful Christmas you deserve.
Tips for coping during Christmas
If you find Christmas a difficult time of year, this page has some tips to help you cope.
Different things can help us at different times, depending on our situation and how we’re feeling. Try some of these ideas and see what works best for you.
- Coping with money worries
- Looking after yourself
- Planning ahead
- Managing relationships
- Talking to other people
- Getting support
Learn how Christmas might affect your mental health by visiting this page.
Christmas can affect our mental health in lots of different ways. This could be if Christmas is part of your life, or if it’s happening around you. It’s a time of year that often puts extra pressure on us.
This page covers some of the reasons that Christmas can feel tough, and may affect your mental health:
- 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
This page has tips to help you support someone who finds Christmas hard:
You can also visit our pages on helping someone else to find guidance on supporting someone with a mental health problem.
You can find useful contacts, with Christmas opening times here.
We hope this helps.
Remember, take one minute, hour or day at a time. Things may feel easier in January.
Take care and stay safe,
P.S. If things have got so bad you’re feeling unsafe, the quickest way to get help is calling 999 or going to A&E. Our information on crisis services explains what might happen if you do, and other types of crisis support which might be available.
Support from YoungMinds
Helping you stay well over winter
It’s been a gloomy month, hasn’t it? Winter has well and truly hit – at least here in the UK. If you’re struggling with the shorter, darker days, you’re not alone. And we’re here to help you through them. Winter can be a difficult time of year. The colder months can really bring your mood down. Making it harder to feel positive, leave the house and keep up with your usual self-care routine. Especially if you struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – a form of depression that’s typically most present at this time of year.
With rising bills and the soaring cost of living, this winter might feel even tougher than usual. Which can have you feeling a lot less than ‘festive’! But no matter what you’re going through, we’re here for you this winter. Below are some advice guides we think are particularly helpful at this time of year. And remember, there’s loads more advice on our website. We hope you have a positive end to the year – whatever that looks like to you – and enjoy any celebrations you have planned.
Tips for coping with seasonal affective disorder
Money and mental health advice for young people and parents
What to do if seeing friends and family makes you anxious
Coping with grief and loss advice for young people and parents
How to help your child if Christmas makes them anxious
Salvation Army are offering a Christmas Day lunch at their venue on Howard Street North Shields. Traditional Christmas lunch. Anyone on their own or “who cannot fend for themselves” are welcome. Transport is provided and they say the more the merrier, no alcohol and no smoking on the premises. Transport available up to a distance of 8 miles(within North Tyneside). Back door entrance on back lane has level access. The organiser will discuss further details with the referred individual.
Contact details of organiser
Nigel Wickens
Tel:- 07720715190
Email:- nigel.wickens3@btinternet.com
Also Social Connections North East have organised Make Christmas Special at 3 venues across North Tyneside. The individual will be allocated a venue, they do not have a choice, as the Boat yard café is small, it maybe full.
-The Boatyard Café in Cullercoats
-St Aidans Church Hall North Shields opposite St Thomas More High School
-The MEM Wallsend
Referrals can be made through their email. socialconnectionsnortheast@gmail.com
If things are desperate contact the Samaritans via phone: 116 123 (free number) or email jo@samaritans.org
Universal Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team – Newcastle and Gateshead: 0800 652 2863
Universal Crisis Team – Northumberland and North Tyneside: 0303 123 1146 or 0800 652 2861