Supporting Someone Struggling with Their Mental Health Over Christmas

The festive season is often seen as a time of joy, connection, and celebration. However, for many people, Christmas can bring heightened stress, loneliness, or anxiety.
If someone you care about is struggling with their mental health, offering support during this time is vital. In this blog, we have put together some practical ways to help, while fostering understanding and compassion.
  1.  Recognise the Signs of Struggle Mental health challenges can manifest in many ways, including withdrawal, irritability, changes in eating or sleeping habits, or expressions of hopelessness. Pay attention to these signs and be ready to offer support without judgement.
  2. Start the Conversation A simple, open question like, “How are you really feeling?” can be powerful. Be prepared to listen without interrupting or trying to “fix” the problem. Sometimes, just knowing someone cares is enough to provide relief.
  3. Offer Practical Support Christmas can be overwhelming, especially for someone feeling mentally unwell. Offer to help with tasks such as shopping, decorating, or meal preparation. This can alleviate stress and show that you’re there for them.
  4. Be Mindful of Expectations Christmas traditions often come with societal and family pressures. Respect their limits if they find it difficult to engage in celebrations. Encourage them to set boundaries and reassure them that it’s okay to take time for themselves.
  5. Help Them Stay Connected Isolation can worsen feelings of loneliness or depression. Gently encourage them to stay in touch with loved ones, whether in person or virtually. If they’re unable to reach out, consider arranging low-pressure ways for them to connect, like a quiet coffee catch-up.
  6. Respect Their Coping Mechanisms Different people manage mental health challenges in different ways. If they find comfort in certain activities or routines, support those rather than suggesting alternative solutions that might add pressure.
  7. Encourage Professional Help If they’re open to it, suggest professional support. This could be therapy, a mental health helpline, or talking to their GP. Be sensitive in your approach; sometimes, simply offering to help them make that first call can make a big difference.
  8. Look After Yourself Supporting someone else can be emotionally taxing, especially during a busy time like Christmas. Ensure you’re setting boundaries for your own well-being and seeking support if needed. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
  9. Create Safe Spaces If you’re hosting gatherings, consider ways to make the environment supportive for everyone. This might mean providing quiet spaces, avoiding triggering topics, or simply ensuring that the atmosphere is inclusive and understanding.
  10. Keep the Spirit of Empathy Alive Christmas is about kindness, love, and connection. Small gestures, such as a thoughtful card, a comforting meal, or even a message letting them know you’re thinking of them, can mean a great deal.
Supporting someone struggling with their mental health at Christmas isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about showing that you care and that they’re not alone. Your compassion and understanding can help make a challenging season a little brighter. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, reach out to resources such as Mind, Samaritans, or your local GP.
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