Coping at Christmas: Helpful tips for the festive season

Lonely at Christmas? Money fears? There is help out there. Credit: PA Wire

It may be the season of goodwill but for some Christmas can be the loneliest and most distressing time of the year.

Historically suicide rates peak in January. The Samaritans receive a call every six seconds over the festive period.

Whether it's money fears, loneliness or a feeling of unhappiness, you are not alone. Here are some helpful tips from The Samaritans on how to cope:

  • Don't give yourself a hard time: People expect to be happy at Christmas and New Year. When reality doesn't work out that way, it can be even more depressing. Don't blame yourself if you're not feeling great – you are not alone

  • Spot the signs of trouble: If the future seems bleak, and you have lost interest in everything, you need to take stock of your situation. Watch out for the following signs of emotional distress: difficulties getting to sleep, problems eating, excessive drinking, being anxious, being angry, emotions are your body's signal that something is wrong. If you feel moody, take it seriously and take action.

  • Look after yourself: If your body is healthy, your mind is more able to cope. Eat sensibly and get plenty of sleep. Don't rely on alcohol or drugs to get you through. Exercise to raise your mood. Take time out for yourself. Give yourself the occasional treat – you deserve it.

  • Confide in someone: Find someone you trust, who'll keep what you say confidential, then tell them about your problems. Unexpressed emotions stop you coping with everyday life. Once you talk about them, you'll find you've got more energy, you think more clearly and you're more able to sort things out.

  • Ask for help: Know when you need to get help, and don't be afraid of asking. If you want to talk about anything that's bothering you, you can get in touch with Samaritans at any time of day or night. They won't tell you what to do, and they won't tell anyone you called. But they will listen for as long as you need. The sooner you make contact, the better.

For more help and advice you can find support through the following organisations:

The Samaritans - http://www.samaritans.org/

Moodswings (based in Manchester) - http://www.moodswings.org.uk/

Cruse Bereavement Care - http://www.cruse.org.uk/about-grief/christmas

Mind - http://www.mind.org.uk/