Skip to main content

Coping at Christmas

Christmas for some is a joyous time for most, filled with celebrations, presents, family, friends, and delicious food. For some of our patients, it can be a time of stress, loneliness, disappointment, or anxiety. This can affect their mental health in lots of different ways, which include:

  • Feeling alone or left out because everyone else seems happy when they’re not.
  • Struggling to look back at difficult memories or worry about the coming year.
  • Feeling anxious and frustrated by other people’s views of a ‘perfect’ Christmas.
  • Finding it harder to access services as they may be closed during the holiday period.

Amid all the flurry of Christmas, taking time to reflect on few simple ways to help patients, as well as ourselves, could make all the difference. Here are 5 tips to make the upcoming festive season a little more manageable:

  1. Stay active: It is important you stay healthy over the holidays and exercising can be huge mood booster and a great way get you out of your own mind for a while.
  2. Do only what matters: Decide which activities and traditions are matters most to you. It is okay to decline the activities which cause stress or are insignificant for you. Avoid social comparisons and have realistic expectations. It is okay to reminisce but don’t look back too much when it hurts. Live in the moment.
  3. Pace yourself: Be aware of your signs of stress and take a break. Take a few deep breaths, go for a walk, or try some mindfulness.
  4. Have a safety plan: Create safety plan for you and your loved ones over the holidays should anything happen. Who can you contact in case of an emergency and are they available over Christmas? What services are open over the Christmas period that could help you and your family?
  5. You are not alone: Lots of people find this period difficult too. Seek connection with others if you are struggling, there are still support organisations open at this time of year if you need them (e.g., Lifeline). Join a community group, volunteer for a worthy cause, donate your resources,

Whilst Christmas may be a month away, it never too early to get started with these tips and look forward to a safe and joyous festive season. And to welcome a wonderful new year ahead.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Unraveling the Complexities of Functional Neurological Disorder: Insights from a Masterclass

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a challenging condition that has gained increased attention in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 23, 2024, I had the privilege of attending a masterclass titled “Working with Functional Neurological Disorder: Current Diagnostic and Treatment Approaches,” presented by Dr. Vance Locke, a clinical psychologist from the University of Western Australia, and Mr. Rowan Pearce, a senior physiotherapist and head of the Complex Care Clinic at Western Kids Health. The seminar, organized by the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy, shed light on the latest developments in diagnosing and treating FND, providing valuable insights for practitioners working with individuals affected by this condition. The Growing Importance of FND: Dr. Locke and Mr. Pearce began by discussing the increasing prevalence of FND, which has become more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. They highlighted potential links betwe...
Post a Comment
Read more

How Do You Know If It’s Time to See an Occupational Therapist?

  When life’s daily activities feel overwhelming, and the routines that once brought joy now feel burdened, it may be time to consider occupational therapy (OT) not just as a treatment, but as a pathway to living life well. At LifeWorks OT, our purpose is clear: we give people with complex and persistent health conditions the knowledge, skills, and power to move forward with confidence and overcome barriers so they can live their best possible life. We don’t just treat symptoms, we partner with individuals to unlock meaningful, lasting change. Signs It May Be Time for Occupational Therapy 1. Daily Activities Feel Heavy or Out of Reach If simple tasks like getting dressed, managing the household, or maintaining routines now feel draining, you’re not alone. Occupational therapy offers practical, innovative strategies to restore independence and confidence in everyday life. An occupation-based approach has consistently shown improvements in daily performance and satisfaction among peo...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Pick the Right Occupational Therapist for You

  Your guide to finding the right support, the first time. Choosing an occupational therapist (OT) is about more than just booking the closest provider. It's about finding someone who understands your goals, communicates with warmth and clarity, and brings the expertise needed to help you move forward with confidence. At LifeWorks OT, we know that the right therapeutic fit can change everything. Here's what to look for when choosing an occupational therapist, so you can feel assured that you're in the best hands for your journey ahead. 1. Find an OT Who Works With You - Not Just Your Diagnosis Occupational therapy is about you as a whole person, not just your condition. A great OT will look beyond a label, whether it’s persistent pain, mental health, neurodivergence, or fatigue, and focus on how your symptoms affect the way you live, work, and connect with the world. Look for an OT who: Takes time to understand your story and values Collaborates with you to set meaningful g...
Post a Comment
Read more