Looking after yourself this December | News

December can be fun, but it can also feel busy, lonely, or stressful. That’s normal. Here are some simple ways to take care of yourself this festive season. 

Money worries

Christmas can be expensive. And worrying about money can have a big impact on our mental health which make it harder to earn or manage money.

You may be worried about:

• Worrying about how you're going to afford Christmas, as well as the  cost of living  in general. 
• Timings of payments, benefits or wages  over bank holidays. 
• Things being closed  when you need them. For example, food banks and other support services might be closed on bank holidays.

The MoneyHelper website (this link will open in a new window) has some great tips around managing money before, during and after the festive period.

If you are worried about money, or want some support, we can help. Click here to look at the support available to you from our Income Team. (This link will open in a new window.)

 

Difficult situations and relationships

At Christmas, we may feel forced to see people or do things that we don't want to. It can be harder at this time of year to avoid difficult or upsetting situations. This might include:

• Abuse and other trauma, whether it's from the past or happening now. This may include seeing people who remind you of difficult or traumatic experiences.
• People not accepting you. For example, if family members don't accept your LGBTQIA+ identity or understand your mental health problem, or if you encounter racism.
• Difficult relationships, such as with a partner, family member or co-worker. Relate has support and advice which may help.

There is support available over the festive period if you need help or support. 

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (This link will open in a new window.)   Available 24/7, call 0808 2000 247 or visit their website for live chat options.   
• Women’s Aid (This link will open in a new window.) Provides live chat, email support, and a directory of local services.
• Men’s Advice Line (This link will open in a new window.) For men experiencing domestic abuse, call 0808 801 0327 or visit their website.
• The For Baby’s Sake Trust (This link will open in a new window.)   Their team offers support to parents in abusive relationships, focused on the safety and well-being of you and your baby. 
• Click here to view domestic abuse resources, here (This link will open in a new window) including Emotional Safety Plans, videos and tools to help you manage stress. 

If you or someone you know is suffering abuse or neglect, please let us know. (This link will open in a new window.)

 

Be kind to yourself — And ask for help

Christmas often looks perfect on TV, but real life is different. Don’t feel pressure to do more than you can. Rest when you need to. And if things get too much, there are people and organisations there who can help.