A few thoughts on the week or two ahead, as the world moves into Christmas and New Year mode. All in our Mental Health Matters spot.
After days of trying to write my final article of 2024, I have settled on this one. It is a relatively generic piece that will incorporate the general musings of some previous articles, but please hear me out.
It is Christmas next week, in case you were unaware, and it is New Year the week after that. It’s easy to get lost in the Christmas music, decorations, lights, foods, trees, clothing and more. What is difficult, however, is staying grounded. However you feel about the season is valid, but so are you. So, put aside the wrapping paper and sticky tape, turn off the music, and stop panicking about whether you have enough Brussels sprouts for the big day. Take five minutes and just breathe.
This has been one heck of a year, and we all know that with two weeks left to go it can still throw a lot at us. But I want to take this opportunity to say:
Congratulations.
And that could be for anything. Congratulations on your wedding (or divorce), expanding family, new home, promotion, or winning the lottery. Congratulations on mastering that new skill you’ve worked hard on. Congratulations for doing that laundry that has taunted you for weeks. Congratulations for making that phone call that you had panic attacks about. And most importantly, congratulations for making it through another year. No matter how big your achievement is, it’s impressive and you should be proud.
Be prepared.
Once my mind stops singing ‘Be Prepared’ from The Lion King, I will take this opportunity to remind you that while you can’t prepare for every eventuality, you can have small ideas in place to keep things ticking along. This could be knowing where the ‘quiet spaces’ are if you need a break during a gathering, or having earbuds at the ready to drown out another rendition of ‘All I Want For Christmas’, as well as games on phones, code words and ‘safe people’, and important phone numbers. Life hits hard and fast – know your quick escapes. Put yourself first.
Take care.
This is a difficult time of year for anyone, but if you’re someone who is already struggling then it can make life harder to navigate. You need to do what works for you, and if you want to be the most festive elf anyone has ever known, then enjoy yourself. However, if hiding in your bedroom, listening to AC/DC, and eating pizza is more your speed, then turn up the volume and don’t get crumbs in the bed. Self-care is important, and only you know what works for you.
Nobody is – or should be – invalidating your feelings. If you are struggling, please reach out and make contact with a friend, a relative, a medical professional, or one of the many organisations, regional or national, that can help. Don’t forget that the internet also exists, and not all of it is bad. (I will leave my social media details in the comments below, if anyone wants to make contact.)
Thank you.
I have been given an amazing opportunity this year, writing for Film Stories, as much as I have. And this isn’t just a thanks to the person(s) behind the scenes giving my words this space. My thanks also go to you; the person who reads the articles, comments, shares the links, and encourages me to do so. I honestly hope this can continue, and look forward to throwing more words at you all, in 2025.
I also accept criticism and suggestions, just in case you have any.
And finally…
You are awesome, and I hope this next couple of weeks offers you safe and calm passage into 2025.
