We are urging people to reach out if they are struggling with their mental health this December.
Throughout December, people often see images of the picture-perfect Christmas. Social expectations tell us that the festive period should be the most wonderful time of the year, but for many, that is not the reality and can lead to a decline in their mental health.
The Christmas period can be an opportunity to celebrate, spend time with family and friends and enjoy some time away from work. But for some, the additional pressures of socialising, gift buying and striving for perfection can easily leave people feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
It can be hard to admit that such an exciting time of year doesn’t feel that wonderful but there are a number of things you can do to help.
Katri Kuusniemi, a Consultant Clinical Lead for Talking Therapies at one of our healthcare partner Trusts, Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust, said: "We recognise that Christmas and the festive period can amplify feelings of low mood, loneliness and anxiety especially with the societal pressures we often place upon ourselves driven by exposure to social media.
“We are urging everyone to be aware of their own mental health and to actively take steps to protect themselves and ask for help if needed.”
NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Talking Therapies is a psychological therapy service offering a range of free talking therapies. The service can be assessed in person, online or telephone and specialises in psychological interventions to support people’s differing emotional needs including generalised anxiety, panic, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Katri continues: “It is important to remember that a perfect Christmas doesn’t exist. The images we see on social media are a carefully chosen snapshot of a moment in time and don’t represent reality. Comparisons with others are often unhelpful and it’s important to focus on what matters to you and those around you. If you are struggling with comparisons on social media try to limit your screen time by doing something else you enjoy and helps you feel good.
“Spending time outdoors with friends and family is a great way to boost your mood and going for a walk will increase your exposure to vitamin D. Routines can often be relaxed around Christmas but try to make a conscious effort to still maintain healthy habits and limit your indulgence in the consumption of both food and alcohol.”
According to a recent survey by the Money and Pensions Service, one in four adults plan to borrow or use credit to fund their Christmas expenses this year.
Katri adds: “Set a budget for your festive spending and document spending as you go along to ensure you don’t unknowingly overspend, as debt and money worries are known to contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. Setting a budget might mean you aren’t able to buy everything on your family’s list, but it will reduce the chances of taking unnecessary debt into the New Year.
“If you feel like you need any mental health support, reach out and ask for help. People who are struggling often say what a huge relief it is to talk about what they are experiencing.”
Talking Therapies is made up of psychological wellbeing practitioners (PWP), cognitive behavioural therapists (CBT), counsellors, team leaders and administrative staff. A practitioner will always discuss the best options available during an initial telephone assessment. Access to Talking Therapies can be made via a GP or self-referral online.
Further details and self-referral contact information can be found by visiting https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/talkingtherapies
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or something that makes you feel severely unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health, you can call 111 and select option 2.
Mental health support is available across Lancashire and South Cumbria through the Initial Response Service (IRS) on 0800 953 0110 which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.