
Ian Garner
Business Writer
1:00 AM 21st December 2024
business
Tis’ The Season To Be Jolly, But It Can Be A Tough Time For Some
![Image by nini Kvaratskhelia from Pixabay]()
Image by nini Kvaratskhelia from Pixabay
Christmas is the season to be jolly. It’s almost compulsory to have a wonderful time at Christmas. The shops are full of Christmas themes from November or earlier, and the television is full of adverts resplendent with jingling bells, clinking glasses, happy children, and the occasional, red-nosed reindeer.
At work there’s talk of Christmas parties, ‘secret Santa,’ and gifts from the boss. The neighbourhood is starting to sprout Christmas trees and more houses decorated by abundant amounts of flashing lights, which appear to become more garish by the year.
Schools have carol services and nativity plays to crank up the atmosphere, and there’s little escape from these impending festivities.
If you don’t embrace all this jollity, you’re described as a Scrooge and shunned by the majority who are bent on taking full advantage of the time of year.
![Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels]()
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels
People are seen returning from the shops with copious amounts of alcohol, looking exasperated by it all and saying silly things like, "I wouldn't bother if it weren't for the kids," as they down another glass of sherry, one more pint, or even something stronger, "just to help me through the day, you know."
People often portray the Christmas season as a time of great joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for many individuals, this can be a challenging time for mental health.
For some people, having to deal with Christmas is stressful because of other things going on in their lives. It's hard to listen to other people's views of a 'perfect' Christmas when not sharing that feeling.
They can feel lonely and ignored because everyone else seems to be having a great time when they are not.
Christmas can be a reminder of earlier years, with difficult memories, regretting things about the past, or worrying about what the new year holds.
For people living with mental health problems, there are lots of reasons they find Christmas tough. Mental health problems can make it difficult for them to spend Christmas as they would prefer. Some experiences during Christmas could make their mental health worse or harder to manage; they can trigger issues they are trying to control.
They might not be able to access services that normally help when they're closed during the Christmas period.
Christmas can interrupt their usual routine and make it harder to manage their mental health.
![Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels]()
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels
There are lots of reasons why someone in your life might find Christmas difficult. They might worry that they're a burden or feel like they can't participate.
Keep a watch out for signs of struggle. It could be close family members, extended family members, neighbours, or work colleagues. They probably won't ask for help; they may not wish to seek help or are in denial, but there are things you can do to provide assistance or at least show empathy and point them to help or support.
Understand that Christmas means something different to other people and may bring up very different feelings.
Let them know that you understand that Christmas can be difficult and that you're there for them. Tell them they're not alone and ask what they think might help. Reassure them that it's common to find things hard at this time of year.
Listen to what they say and accept their feelings. Let loved ones know that you're thinking of them. If someone you know is struggling or feeling lonely at Christmas, it might mean a lot to them to hear from you.
However, it’s essential you look after yourself; supporting someone else can be difficult.