Need help with your mental health this Christmas?

For many people, Christmas is often seen as a time of celebration, togetherness and enjoyment. However, it can also bring added pressure, expectations and change to routine. If you are already struggling with your mental health, these pressures can make difficult feelings feel stronger or harder to manage.

It’s important to know that you are not alone in feeling this way, and that it’s okay if Christmas doesn’t feel joyful for you.

Why Christmas can feel difficult

Christmas might feel more challenging if you:

  • Have other stressful or upsetting things going on in your life at the moment
  • Feel lonely, left out or disconnected while others seem happy or busy with plans
  • Feel that your own experiences of Christmas don’t match what you see on social media, TV or in other people’s families
  • Find the noise, crowds, changes to routine or sensory aspects of Christmas overwhelming – this can affect anyone, but may be especially difficult for people who are neurodivergent
  • Are living with an eating disorder, as Christmas can involve a strong focus on food, drink and shared meals

Everyone’s experience is different, and there is no ‘right’ way to feel at Christmas.

Looking after yourself during the festive period

If Christmas feels difficult, it may help to:

  • Take breaks from busy or overwhelming situations when you can
  • Set boundaries around social plans, food or activities if something feels too much
  • Keep some familiar routines where possible, such as sleep, movement or quiet time
  • Limit time on social media if it increases pressure or comparison
  • Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling, such as a friend, family member, teacher or support worker

Young Minds has created helpful resources for young people on looking after their mental health at Christmas: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/looking-after-your-mental-health-at-christmas/

They have also produced specific guidance for coping with an eating disorder over the Christmas period: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/tips-for-coping-with-an-eating-disorder-at-christmas/

Need urgent help?

If you or a young person you know needs urgent mental health support over the festive period, our 24/7 all-age mental health crisis lines are available every day of the year, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

You can contact the crisis line by calling 111 and choosing the mental health option.

For more information about urgent mental health support, please visit: https://www.mymind.org.uk/crisis-support

If there is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, you should still call 999 or go to A&E for mental or physical health assistance.