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Remember To Look Out For Others Who Might Be Struggling This Christmas

Remember To Look Out For Others Who Might Be Struggling This Christmas

Keep each other safe, folks. Not everyone has a merry Christmas.

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

Christmas is supposed to be a happy time, when we can all come together with our family and friends, exchange gifts, and be thankful for what we've got.

However, for a lot of people, it can be the most difficult time of the year.

Loneliness, depression, and anxiety can make Christmas miserable for a lot of people. In fact, Christmas is statistically one of the most dangerous times of the year for those with mental health issues.

It makes sense. The nights are dark, the days are cold and short. There can be an overwhelming feeling for some people that everyone is enjoying themselves but them, everyone is having more fun.

Couple that with the fact that there is a lot more alcohol being consumed at this time of the year, and it all starts to add up.

With that in mind, it's worth checking up on your mates at this time of the year. Hell, it's worth checking in on anyone you know - family, friends, older neighbours, whoever.

Pop around and say hello, grab some mince pies, and let someone know that you're thinking about them. You might just be giving them the best gift that they'll receive all year.

On the other side, if you're feeling a bit glum or not particularly up for the festive season, remember that there are still ways you can seek help.

If you've got family and friends, reach out to them. It's OK not to be OK - they'll understand and try to help you find the help that you need.

Even if that's not possible, there are people that you can call.

The Samaritans are there 365 days of the year, 24 hours a day. That doesn't stop at Christmas. IF you need them, they'll answer the phone at any time and offer a bit of help if they can, even just listening.

Talking about these sorts of problems can be the first step to making everything seem a little bit more manageable.

If you're in the United Kingdom, call anytime on 116 123 - that number is exactly the same if you're in the Republic of Ireland too.

Samaritans

It's worth remembering too that mental health problems are no different to physical health problems. If you're feeling like you're struggling too much, you can go to Accident and Emergency.

Not all dangerous health problems are ones that you can see and treat with a bandage.

Most importantly, try to enjoy the festive season and have as happy and relaxing a time as possible, but remember to check in on your mates, check in on your family, and keep each other safe.

Featured Image Credit: UOKM8

Topics: Christmas, UK News, Mental Health, UOKM8?, Health