When Christmas doesn’t feel so merry!
Apparently it’s ” the most wonderful time of the year!” but if you are struggling with poor mental health, living alone, on low income or living in fear of domestic violence Christmas can leave you feeling lonely, miserable or fearful.
Christmas Debt With finances already stretched it can be tempting to borrow more money to fund festive spending. Managed correctly these type of loans can be great but there are pitfalls. You can end up with late payment fees or marks against your credit rating if you can’t meet the payments. Money Saving Expert has lots of guidance and advice here.
There are ways to make Christmas great without splurging loads of cash. Be honest with your friends and family. Don’t promise to buy the latest gaming device or smart phone if it is going to put you into debt.
Perhaps agree on a spending limit with other family members, search for discount codes, buy 2nd hand or give hand made gifts and treats. It might be a difficult conversation to have but you may find others are in the same boat and are grateful they don’t have to reciprocate expensive gift giving.
Check what you can afford, set a budget and stick to it Moneyhelper has a guide to help you including a budget planner and a savings calculator for next year. If you get paid early at Christmas, remember you still have to pay your bills in January! If you are already struggling with debt before Christmas has even begun seek help from a debt advice service such as Step Change or speak to Citizens Advice
Domestic Violence
The added pressures of spending longer periods of time together, financial worries, higher levels of drinking and drug taking can contribute to a rise in the levels of domestic violence at this time of year. Christmas can be a very difficult time for families where domestic violence exists. If you are living in fear of violence there are several charities you can reach out to.
Welsh Women’s Aid for women and Children
Refuge for women and children
Safer Wales for men
ManKind for men
If you are in immediate danger of violence call 999 and if you can get to a place of safety.
Too much Christmas Spirit?!
Alcohol can play a big part at Christmas but for some families too much booze can often fuel arguments or unwanted behaviour.
Try to pace yourself and drink water or soft drinks in between alcoholic ones. Try mixing up some delicious mocktails instead. Or maybe treat yourself to a hot spiced apple juice or a hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows for a festive treat
Finding it hard to cope?
Not everyone loves this time of year. For some it brings up memories of traumatic events or someone they have lost. For others it may be the first Christmas after a separation and sharing the children with their ex. Then there is the added pressure that you should be having fun because it is Christmas.
Mind has lots of useful support and information for those who find the festive period hard, follow this link to read more. If you are feeling alone or low at this time, reach out to someone either a friend or family member or an organisation such as the Samaritans or Shout or check out . Check in with your friends and neighbours to see how they are doing too.
Loneliness at Christmas
The festive period can often highlight and magnify feelings of loneliness. You may be distanced by physical miles or a breakdown in relationships or perhaps you have lost a loved one. You can even feel lonely surrounded by lots of people but there are things you can do to reduce the feeling of isolation.
Stay in touch – you may be physically apart but speaking to friends and family on the phone or via video link can help. Connect with people you may have lost touch with, drop them a text and arrange a catch up.
Keep a routine get up and dressed, eat regular meals, get some exercise and go to bed at a reasonable time. Make a plan of what you are going to do each day, go for a walk or or watch your favourite movie for example.
Perhaps you could volunteer to help others, you could consider becoming a Powys befriender with PAVO or perhaps help out with your local food bank or animal rescue charity. Follow this link to find out more about volunteering opportunities in Powys. Use social media wisely, although it’s a great way to see what everyone is up to it can also leave you feeling more alone than ever.
Don’t be ashamed to reach out and let people know how you are feeling. Marmalade Trust , Mind & the NHS all have some great advice for coping with loneliness .
If you are in need of urgent mental health support please follow the advice on our URGENT help page, call 111 and press 2 to speak to a Mental Health Professional or if you are in immediate danger call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.