Sian Hampson
Christmas is coming. If you are anything like me, you won’t have bought any of the presents, are trying to figure out how you will get all your work done before the festive season kicks in properly, and are now falling into a pool of panic.
Christmas is coming. If you are anything like me, you won’t have bought any of the presents, are trying to figure out how you will get all your work done before the festive season kicks in properly, and are now falling into a pool of panic.
Christmas is a magical time, full of excitement, food, family, and for those who celebrate the true meaning; a time to remember and give thanks for the birth of Jesus. It is also a beginning of a new year. Whilst all the festivities can be great fun; Christmas and New Year can be a painful time for some. For those who have lost family and friends, it can be a painful reminder of their absence. For those who are reliant on a set routine, the break up in this can be stressful. For some the season may cause a huge sense of loneliness. The start of a new year can also cause difficulty for those with mental illness, due to the reflective nature of the time, and the focus on the future, wondering if you will ever feel better again.
When there seems to be a huge expectation to be happy, thankful, and joyful; the fact that you are finding the season difficult can cause guilt. However, it is important to know and understand that it is OK to not be OK this Christmas and New Year. If you are finding things difficult, sad, or lonely that is OK.
You shouldn’t feel guilty that you are struggling this Christmas and New Year. You don’t have to feel happy and cheerful for the whole time. If you need time on your own that is OK. Your Christmas might not be the perfect image of that you have seen others share on social media, but this might not be what their Christmas is either.
It is OK to not be OK this Christmas and New Year. It’s OK if the season isn’t full of perfect Instagram moments.
Remember, if you need to talk to someone the Samaritans is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can contact them through email and phone call.
T: 116 123
E: jo@samaritians.org
W: www.samaritans.org