4 Ways To Keep Your Mental Health In Check This Christmas
Whether you like it not, Christmas
is just around the corner. For many people, the build-up to the big day
can be an incredibly exciting time, full of good food, family, friends
and festive cheer.
But for those who struggle with their mental health, the season can bring about more than just a case of the winter blues.
Christmas can be a lonely time for some, triggering feelings of depression, while the organisation needed in the lead up to December 25th for tasks such as present buying may result in a bout of anxiety.
Here are some simple tips for how to take care of your mind this Christmas and New Year.
1. Spend time with loved ones
While some mental health-related illnesses can become more severe during the festive period, conditions such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can also strike at this time of year too, further impacting on a person's mood.
It is believed that this illness can be triggered when you don't get enough vitamin D from sunlight, which can affect the production of certain hormones that influence happiness levels.
But
of course, some people struggle with their mental health throughout the
whole year, with their condition becoming exacerbated at Christmas
time.
Chief executive
of Nottinghamshire Healthcare, Professor Mike Cooke CBE, explained: "One
in four people experience mental health problems and their difficulties
may become heightened over the Christmas and New Year period."
"The support of friends is really helpful for people experiencing mental illness, so please make the effort to stay in touch."
2. Plan ahead
Bear
in mind that you don't want to be making yourself stressed and
potentially worsening any conditions you have by trying to arrange
social occasions with friends and family.
Try to plan food and drink, a venue to meet in and what you'll be doing together as far in advance as possible
and if you don't feel up to taking charge of organising the
celebrations, don't be afraid to ask for help - your loved ones will
understand and will want to make sure your health is in the best
condition it can be.
3. Be prepared
Remember
that doctors' surgeries and pharmacies will change their opening times
over the Christmas holidays, so make sure you've stocked up on antidepressants or any other medication you may need to keep your mental health in check.
Make a note of emergency numbers just
in case and if you're concerned that your mental health may be
beginning to deteriorate and you can't access any other services, don't
be afraid to visit your local accident and emergency department and
explain your situation to access the help you need.
4. Treat yourself
Christmas might be all about giving, but that means giving yourself a treat too.
If you're feeling low over the holiday period, ring a friend, put your
favourite festive or funny film on, pamper yourself with a hot bath or
open some chocolate
– if you're doing all you can to look after both your mind and body,
there's no reason why you can't enjoy a wonderfully merry Christmas.
netdoctor
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