Some words for those who struggle with the festive season

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A few words for those who aren’t having the best of times at this point of the year, in the hope that there’s a smile out there for you somewhere.

As much as lots of people are very happy and full of joy around this time of year, we’ve always been very conscious that it’s not for everyone. That some people don’t like it, or some people are going through very difficult times.

This post, then, is more for the people in the second half of that paragraph rather than the first. If you’re in the first half, then all power to you, and have a lovely time.

If you’re not, then just a few words for you. A lot of this you know, but over the years, I’ve recognised that writing things down and validating how people are feeling can have value too.

Because it’s actually okay not to be okay. It’s not ideal, but it’s okay not to feel relentlessly happy, and it’s okay to not feel able to put on a bit of a show. Please don’t try and deceive yourself, and be truthful – with yourself and, ideally, with people around you. Getting things out in the open to some degree can sometimes be a very positive catalyst for chance. Hopefully it is for you.

Please don’t feel too that you’re the only person who feels down, or feels unhappy, or who feels un-Christmassy. You’re really not. You’re not alone there.

If it’s a little more than that too, please do find someone to talk to. Please do open up. You do matter, whether you feel like you do or not. If there’s not someone you can open up to, then I’ve listed a whole bunch of brilliant organisations under these words. They’re there for a reason, and as I often say, they’re there for people as much at the start of their tether as the end.

Perhaps you might be tempted to just leave a little hello in the comments as well. A small thing, but we don’t use AI or any of that crap here. If you get a reply, it’s from a human. No matter how impersonal it can sometimes be, chatting in below the line comments.

There’s a lot of idealism around at this time of year, and there’s a lot of projection that everything is brilliant. The truth is rarely that. Please recognise that, and please try and offer yourself some kindness.

Somewhere, in the midst of the festive season, I hope you can find a smile or two. A bit of warmth from somewhere. May there be light for you, and good times ahead. Sending you all a virtual hug through the screen, wishing you the best, and please, please, please: 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.