Preparing for the big day can be daunting for everyone, even more so if you're experiencing mental health difficulties. There is a phenomenal amount of planning and work to do. There's the presents, the decorating, the food, the entertainment, the list is endless. Juggling all this as well as a mental illness can be exhausting and can also detrimental effects on your mental and physical well-being. Even when you've ticked off everything on the list that's as long as your leg you panic and fret whether it's good enough or whether you live up to everyone else's expectations.
Speaking of expectations, society expects you to be happy, jolly and full of fun - IT'S CHRISTMAS! You're expected to put on a front saying that everything's 'OK' for the sake of Christmas. You're bombarded by questions; 'How's your love life?' , 'Got a girlfriend/boyfriend?' , 'Lost any weight recently?' etc. etc. In reality, you want to punch society in the face and hide in a cave for the season (this could just be me)!
I digress.
And lastly, there's the issue of money. This is a big issue to (almost) everyone - especially with today's economic climate. There's having it in the first place and then paying it all back after Christmas has passed. However, this issue of money can be an even bigger issue to those experiencing mental health problems. The mental health charity Mind conducted an online poll and found that 1 in 5 people felt 'less able to manage their mental health because of worries about paying off the cost of Christmas'. The charity's Chief Executive Paul Farmer said that 'financial worries can have a devastating impact on mental health and can lead to serious problems such as stress, anxiety and depression.' He also stated that people who experience mental health problems are 'more likely to be living in poverty...dependent on benefits because they are too ill to work' [1] which only adds to stress in paying back what is spent over the holidays.
Before I love you and leave you I'll give some handy tips that'll hopefully help you to survive this holiday season.
Don't expect everything to go perfectly - Some things are bound to go wrong - it happens to everyone! Whether it'd be lumpy gravy or someone receiving the same present; try to accept that this won't be Christmas will be the Christmas of all Christmases and try to enjoy the holiday as much you can with people that love you.
Find a place of sanctuary - Whether this would be your bedroom, a bathroom, or the shed at the bottom of the garden; when things start to become too intense or overwhelming allow yourself to leave the situation and go somewhere where you can allow yourself to relax, and then go back when you're ready.
It's Christmas for you too - You don't have to do everything - the holiday is also for you too. Put yourself first sometimes. Get everyone else involved (don't let them sit on their backside for the entire holiday). This might not only get things done quicker and lighten the workload, but perhaps they'll appreciate all the more the hard work that goes into Christmas.
Bear in mind that it'll all be over soon - It's relieving to know that this won't go on forever. Hopefully knowing that the torturous carols, the painful jokes, the ear-numbing stories, or being with people we may not like will all come to an end will help you to endure the season and hopefully come out the other side unscathed.
Remember that you're not alone. If it ever becomes too much there are people that will listen to you and can give you the help you need.
Mind - http://www.mind.org.uk/ 0300 123 3393
Samaritans - http://www.samaritans.org/ 08457 909090
YoungMinds - http://www.youngminds.org.uk/ 0808 802 5544
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - all the best.
BMNM.
[1] http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/93715.php
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