Whilst some people love the Christmas season, for others it can be a stressful time of year, and some feel more anxious and lonelier than ever.
If this is you, you are not alone in feeling this way. However, there are simple things you can do to help yourself, and there is support available if you need it.
If you are struggling with sleep, anxiety or stress, watch short videos from local mental health professionals who share their top tips to help you cope. We know that it can be easy to make excuses not to seek help such as “there are people worse off than me, I should be able to cope with this” or “I don’t want to burden my family and friends”. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. The series of videos also includes knowing when to seek help.
Watch the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System series of videos on mental health
Feeling SAD this winter?
You may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder There are things you can do to help with this – like ensuring that you eat a healthy, balanced diet. Visit the winter mental health page at for tips on coping with SAD: Winter wellbeing: managing mental health during the colder months - Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ics.nhs.uk)
Coping with grief during the Christmas season
While some people seem to be full of the joys of season, for others Christmas can be especially difficult if you have lost a loved one. Visit At a Loss. AtaLoss.org is the UK's signposting and information website for bereaved people for bereavement information and support. You may also like to consider some of the resources linked on the Livewell Bereavement page
Talking Therapies
If you are struggling with your mental health, talking therapies could help. Did you know you can self-refer and access Talking Therapies online, face to face or on the phone? More info at: https://www.therapyforyou.co.uk/
For more information on all of the above, visit: Winter wellbeing: managing mental health during the colder months - Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ics.nhs.uk)