Mince Pies and Mental Health: Promoting wellness during the holiday period

2021 has been a year of anxiety and uncertainty for many people and we recognise that the Christmas period can be especially hard for those that are experiencing mental health problems, grieving the loss of a loved one or struggling with isolation and loneliness. Our Somerset Crisis Safe Space Senior Recovery Navigator has put together some tips to help support your wellbeing over the Christmas period.

• Reach out to people around you. Family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours, may be in a similar position and may be hoping for an invitation of company. Connecting with others is a cornerstone to your wellbeing. If you feel you have no one to talk to use a mental health support line like Mindline or Samaritans.

• Look after yourself. Be active, eat well. Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.

• Share your skills and time through volunteering or find out what’s on locally. There may be activities like walks, online events, and coffee mornings you could get involved in.

• If you enjoy your work, and you have the option to work on Christmas, spend the day being productive, especially if your job involves interacting with co-workers or customers; being at work may help you to feel less lonely. If you don’t have the option to work on Christmas, spend the day working around your home or on a project that you’ve put off for too long.

• Plan a day for yourself. Buy something online to treat yourself, cook your favourite foods, or plan a movie marathon (personally I’d go for harry potter). Or do something offbeat like learning a new language or starting work on the novel that’s always been in your head.

• If you are feeling really down about being alone on Christmas and can’t pull yourself out of it, reach out for help. Call a friend, family member, or a helpline, you should never feel like you are lacking support.

The Somerset Crisis Safe Space is open throughout the festive period. From 24 of December to 3 January please call Mindline in Somerset on 01823 276892 to make an appointment.