A few words for those of you struggling a bit at this time of year

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Not everyone has the best of time around Christmas and New Year. A few words for those who aren’t enjoying the best of fortune.

Hello, and a very warm welcome to you. Thank you for clicking on this article, and our first job here is to wish you the very best.

That said, there’s a strong chance that the reason you clicked on it is that times aren’t the best. And that whilst people around you are enjoying the festivities of the Christmas and New Year season, you – for whatever reason – aren’t.

I can’t pretend I’m good with forced joviality, and forced social situations too. Oftentimes, it takes everything to put on a front and make it look like I’m having a ball. But over time, I’ve come to realise that’s not necessarily solving anything.

This little article is likely not going to solve anything either, but I do want to use this spot just to iterate/reiterate a few things.

Firstly, it’s okay not to be okay. This is a phrase that’s turned into a bit of a cliché of late, but it’s true. I’m sort of glad it’s become a cliché too, as for a long time, it was anything but. But don’t pretend you have to put on a front of being right, especially if you’re not.

Admitting to yourself that things aren’t right is a starting point. At least I found that. Without that, it’s even harder than it already is to turn the corner.

It’s also worth noting that, however it feels, you’re not alone. On the one hand, lots of people feel dark, unhappy, broken, especially at this time of year. It doesn’t make it easier. But also, even if you don’t have someone close by to talk to, there are brilliant organisations and groups out there who want to help. I say it often on this site, but these are groups who are as hopeful of catching people at the start of their tether as they are there for those at the end of it. Please, if you even think you might need or can use their help, give them a try.

That, or say hello at the bottom of this post. We’re all humans. We’re all a bit messed up. If we say back, that’s another human. It’s a small start. Anything that can externalise difficulties too is better, as a rule, than bottling things up.

Since my days at Den Of Geek I’ve been writing a post like this at Christmas, and it’s crucial to me. The conversations over health and mental health have improved in that time, but that’s not always helpful when you’re at the coalface.

But I do think this is true: you do matter. We may not know each other, but I passionately believe that everybody matters, everybody has worth. That’s you included.

Nobody, however it may appear, is living a perfect life. Of course, some have it easier than others. But don’t be fooled by the perception of others. Concentrate on you. Be kind to you.

I hope the next week or two finds some light and darkness for you. The very best to you, thank you for reading, and take care. x

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HELPFUL ORGANISATIONS

Samaritans

Phone UK and ROI 24hrs a day, 365 days a year

116 123

Text 07725 909090

Email [email protected]

Welsh language line 7pm to 11pm 7 days a week

08001640123

https://www.samaritans.org

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Mind Mental Health charity info line

0300 123 3393 Mon – Fri 9am to 6pm (closed 25th 26th Dec and 1st Jan and all bank holidays)

Text 86463

https://www.mind.org.uk

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Re-Think Mental Health

0300 5000 927 10am to 2pm Mon – Fri

Email [email protected]

https://www.rethink.org

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PAPYRUS

Young suicide prevention society for under 35’s

Phone: HOPElineUK 0800 068 4141 – (Mon to Fri, 10am to 5pm & 7 to 10pm. Weekends and bank holidays, 2pm to 5pm)

Website: www.papyrus-uk.org

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The Mix 13 to 25 year olds

0808 808 4994

Their crisis messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you’re aged 25 or under, and are experiencing any painful emotion or are in crisis, you can text MIX to 85258.

https://www.themix.org.uk

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Anxiety UK

Charity providing support if you’ve been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.

Phone: 03444 775 774 (Mon to Fri, 9.30am to 5.30pm)

Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

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CALM

CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.

Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)

Website: www.thecalmzone.net

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