Many of us find Christmas difficult, even without the pandemic. It may be even harder this year after such an unsettling 2020 and with the current restrictions on social gatherings or if you’re self-isolating. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s OK to feel that way.
Here are a few tips to help you through the festive period:
- It’s ok to prioritise what’s best for you, even if others don’t seem to understand.
- Think about what you need and how you might be able to get it.
- Consider talking to someone you trust about what you need to cope.
- If you’re going to be somewhere unfamiliar for Christmas, think about what you need to help you cope. Are there things you can bring to make you feel more comfortable? Or is there somewhere you can go to take a break?
- Make a list of any services that you might want to access and their Christmas opening hours. For details about Bucks Mind’s services over Christmas, please see below.
- If you’re worried about feeling lonely or isolated this Christmas, make a list of some activities to help pass the time.
- Remind yourself that Christmas won’t last forever.
- Set your boundaries.
- Let yourself experience your own feelings.
- Take time out when you need to.
- If you can’t avoid something difficult, plan something for yourself afterwards to help reduce the stress or distress you might feel.
For more information about coping with Christmas, please click here.
For information about Christmas and coronavirus, please click here.
Call NHS 111 for 24/7 mental health advice for adults and children from Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
The Bucks Mind telephone line will be open until 4.30pm on Wednesday 23rd December. It will then be closed until Monday 4th January.
Most of our services are open up to and including Christmas Eve (Thursday 24th December). They will then be closed over Christmas and New Year, reopening on Monday 4th January. For full details please see below.
For information on community resources that are available over the Christmas period, please click here.
