"It's the most wonderful time of the yeeeaaar"... or is it? For many people, Christmas is an incredibly difficult time. In fact, a government survey found that 51% of women and 35% of men find the festive season stressful. And stress isn't the only feeling the festivities can evoke. Sadness, loneliness, isolation, fear... these are all yuletide bedfellows for more people than you might think. So, what can you do if you're one of the many who dread the run up to Christmas and the day itself? Quite a few things, as it happens, but firstly, acknowledge your feelings. Accept them. And know you're not alone.

Talk to someone

It's good to talk, as the old phone ad used to tell us. But it's not just a marketing ploy, it's true. Talking to others is helpful. And whether that's an old friend you've lost contact with, a trusted neighbour or someone on the end of a support line who's trained to listen (REALLY listen), it doesn't matter. You'll feel better for it. Bearing the burden of difficult feelings alone is really hard – and talking makes it easier.

Go offline

We're social animals. We're supposed to be connected and live in supportive communities. But we don't. We sit online and swipe. And that can become addictive and once the dopamine hit has subsided, what are we left with? Disconnection and isolation. So put the phone down, close up the laptop and put the tablet away. Do something more fulfilling instead. Watch a good film, do the chores you've been putting off for ages, chat with your family or cook something tasty... anything that's more rewarding longer term than sharing a meme with your mate.

Get outside

Moving is good for us. Being in nature is good for us. Being with others is really good for us (if they're the right type of people!). If you're feeling down, go for a walk. If you can walk in a park or a beauty spot, so much the better. And if you can't, put some music on and just walk anyway. If you can find a friend to walk with, brilliant. If not? Wrap yourself up warm and just go...

Help others

Volunteering brings as many rewards to the volunteer as it does to those they are helping. If you're dreading Christmas, why not opt to volunteer for an organisation that provides a Christmas meal to the homeless or opens up a centre for the elderly on Christmas Day? On a smaller scale, see if you've got a neighbour who's alone and might value a cuppa and a chat. Is there a charity that could do with a hand? Animal sanctuaries often need help over the winter months. Other charities close for repairs – could you lend a hand? Finding purpose is a special thing and reaps rewards in many ways.

Seek support

There are support services available if you're really struggling this Christmas. I've given some contact details here, but space is limited so I've kept it to just the main charities and organisations for people who might be having a difficult time with their mental health. However, there's also support for over 60s (Age Concern) over 55s (Silverline), under 35s (PAPYRUS), teens and early 20s (Young Minds) and of course, Childline. If you're finding it difficult dealing with something specific, do drop me an email - I can signpost you on to a relevant organisation.

In the meantime, try to enjoy the break from your usual routine at the very least. Embrace your inner bear: hibernate! See you in spring...

USEFUL LINKS

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) https://www.thecalmzone.net/
SAMARITANS https://www.samaritans.org/
MIND https://www.mind.org.uk/
SHOUT https://giveusashout.org/