At Christmas and New Year many of us celebrate and spend time with our families and friends, we exchange gifts and we try to relax and unwind, ready for the year ahead.
However, it’s not the same for everyone. There are lots of people who struggle through this time of year for a whole range of reasons.
Some are lonely, whether through bereavement, physical separation, relationship breakdown, stress, anxiety or other mental health issues. You don’t have to be alone to be lonely, as feelings of loneliness and isolation can occur even when surrounded by other people.
The combination of the cold, dark days and the often unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves, around being generous and sociable, can also create a real burden for us all, especially those who may already be struggling, mentally and emotionally.
For those of us who are in good physical and mental health, Christmas and New Year can be a time to spread some goodwill and happiness by looking out for others who may not be as fortunate.
Extremely simple acts, such as a knock on the door and a chat, a phone call or doing some shopping or inviting to a meal, or the offer of a lift, can make the difference between someone ‘surviving’ Christmas and someone enjoying it. If someone is lonely, knowing that others see them and care about them can be very powerful.
Tracey Faraday-Drake, Director for Children, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities for NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board, said: “We associate Christmas with giving and the act of giving can include much more than physical presents. We can give our time, our love and support to those around us, which can have significant positive and long-lasting impacts.
“It’s not just the receiver who can benefit. Studies have shown that generosity is also good for the giver, as it can boost happiness, reduce stress and even improve physical health, such as blood pressure. Strengthening or creating social connections also has positive health impacts.
“So please, be mindful of others and if you know of anyone who may be lonely or going through a difficult time, see if there’s any way in which you might be able to make their Christmas and New Year better – while being careful not to add to any pressure they may already be feeling.”
The Marmalade Trust is a charity devoted to raising awareness of loneliness and encouraging social connection. More information and advice, including specific Christmas planning, can be found on its website: www.marmaladetrust.org/. Meanwhile, advice on protecting and improving mental health over Christmas is available through Mind, the mental health charity.
Information on mental health support within Frimley Health and Care can be found on the NHS Frimley website, while further national support is available via:
· NHS111, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on the phone or online – 111.nhs.uk – and includes a mental health option.
· Samaritans (call 116 123) or text SHOUT to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line (or text YM to the same number if you are under 19).
