Skip to content
Instagram Twitter Facebook Youtube Tiktok Linkedin
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Weather
  • Contact
  • Registration
  • Login
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Weather
  • Contact
  • Registration
  • Login
  • WHAT’S ON
    • Across Liverpool
    • M&S Bank Arena
    • Exhibition Centre
    • Everyman & Playhouse
    • FunnyBoyz Liverpool
    • The Bentley Liverpool
    • St George’s Hall
  • THINGS TO DO
    • In Liverpool
    • Liverpool Watersports Centre
    • Strawberry Field
    • Relish Liverpool
    • Best Liverpool Restaurants
  • OFFERS
  • STAY
    • ALL HOTELS
    • Boudoir Hotel Liverpool
    • Malmaison Liverpool
  • JOBS
  • LATEST
    • News
    • Food & Drink
    • Events Latest
    • People
    • Things To Do
    • Music
    • Business
    • Matt Jacobson
    • Sport
    • Interviews
    • Blogs
    • Reviews
    • Competitions
    • A Tale of the Liver Birds
  • TRAVEL
    • Liverpool Airport
  • DIRECTORY
  • LIVE
Menu
  • WHAT’S ON
    • Across Liverpool
    • M&S Bank Arena
    • Exhibition Centre
    • Everyman & Playhouse
    • FunnyBoyz Liverpool
    • The Bentley Liverpool
    • St George’s Hall
  • THINGS TO DO
    • In Liverpool
    • Liverpool Watersports Centre
    • Strawberry Field
    • Relish Liverpool
    • Best Liverpool Restaurants
  • OFFERS
  • STAY
    • ALL HOTELS
    • Boudoir Hotel Liverpool
    • Malmaison Liverpool
  • JOBS
  • LATEST
    • News
    • Food & Drink
    • Events Latest
    • People
    • Things To Do
    • Music
    • Business
    • Matt Jacobson
    • Sport
    • Interviews
    • Blogs
    • Reviews
    • Competitions
    • A Tale of the Liver Birds
  • TRAVEL
    • Liverpool Airport
  • DIRECTORY
  • LIVE
Search
Close

Mental Health at Christmas

December 20, 2021
|
by Editor
Mental Health at Christmas

When most people think of Christmas, they think of a joyful, happy time.

However, for lots of people in today’s world, Christmas brings with it a long list of anxieties, pressures, and stresses.

In fact, according to a YouGov survey [1], a third of all people aged between 45 and 54 feel significantly worse during Christmas.

Why people may suffer from negative mental health during Christmas

Below, we list some of the reasons why some may experience issues with mental health during Christmas:

Money Worries

Christmas has become increasingly more expensive.

With children demanding expensive gifts, and an increase in inflammation meaning that your Christmas dinner might be more expensive this year, lots of people are bound to feel stressed about money this Christmas.

This can lead to stress, depression and anxiety.

Social Isolation

Social isolation plays a huge role in depression. If you have a small friendship group or are of a certain age, then these feelings might be amplified during Christmas.

Additionally, Christmas can be incredibly hard for people suffering from social anxiety, making them want to withdraw and retreat.

Grief

Likewise, feelings of grief are also amplified during the festive period. Whilst Christmas is an opportunity to spend time with loved ones for many, it can be incredibly difficult and emotionally challenging for those who are still struggling with the loss of a loved one.

Consuming too much alcohol

Alcohol itself is a depressant. Unfortunately, alcohol and depression often go hand-in-hand, because people are known to drink alcohol to ‘drawn’ their sorrows. 

Many people increase their alcohol consumption around Christmas, perhaps to drawn out mental health issues such as loneliness and social isolation. However, alcohol really is a ‘false friend’, because drinking more alcohol only severs to exasperate these issues.[2]

Unrealistic Expectations & Comparison

Whether it’s through Christmas ads on the TV, magazines, or social media, lots of people are exposed to images of the ‘perfect Christmas.’

This causes people to put a huge amount of stress and pressure on themselves to provide the best Christmas possible.

To do so, people spend more, plan maliciously and overthink the little things, all because they’re comparing themselves to others.

Ways people can protect their mental health during Christmas

Budget

To ensure you don’t struggle from money worries, budget throughout the year. Additionally, understand that you don’t have to go overboard with presents.

If you’re struggling with money worries, read this this guide by Stepchange [3].

Set Boundaries

It’s easy to get carried away at Christmas. So, try to set boundaries with the amount of presents you buy, money you spend, plans you make and drinks you consume.

Volunteer in the Local Community

If you’re suffering from depression, anxiety or are just feeling down during Christmas, there is no better time to help your local community.

More people need help during this time than any other, so helping at a soup kitchen, food bank or charity will be greatly appreciated.

It’ll also lift your spirits and help you socialise – it’s a win win!

Media Detox

To bring your expectations back down to reality, stop comparing your Christmas to the ones you see on social media, magazines, or the TV.

Instead, spend more time with family, friends, going on walks or reading a book.

Ask for Help

Most importantly, ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s to friends, family, or a doctor.

There are some fantastic helplines, organisations and charities listed below, as well as a helpful infographic for you to save and share this Christmas.

References

[1] https://yougov.co.uk/topics/health/articles-reports/2019/12/18/christmas-harms-mental-health-quarter-brits

[2] Explained in more detail in alcohol rehabilitation in Liverpool.

[2] https://www.stepchange.org/clients/dmp-during-festive-season.aspx

Written by Boris Mackey – Rehab 4 Addiction

READ MORE: Homelessness charity Crisis launches Christmas activity

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Email
Print

THE LATEST

Liverpool ONE kick-starts its Eurovision celebrations
Liverpool ONE kick-starts its Eurovision celebrations
Bootle Strand Regeneration Project receives £20m funding
Bootle Strand Regeneration Project receives £20m funding
Women's Merseyside Derby at Goodison set for record crowd
Women's Merseyside Derby at Goodison set for record crowd
Maritime Knowledge Hub gets the green light from Wirral Council
Maritime Knowledge Hub gets the green light from Wirral Council
Sefton Park Palm House to welcome The Liverpool Book Club
Sefton Park Palm House to welcome The Liverpool Book Club
Iconic Liverpool landmarks are getting in to the Eurovision spirit
Iconic Liverpool landmarks are getting in to the Eurovision spirit
iStay Group CEO appointed onto the Northern Fundraising Board
iStay Group CEO appointed onto the Northern Fundraising Board
Enjoy a Paddy's Day themed brunch at Red Door Liverpool
Enjoy a Paddy's Day themed brunch at Red Door Liverpool
pexels-rodnae-productions-7061778
St Patrick’s Day in Liverpool
Beauty and the Beast returns to St Helens Theatre Royal
Beauty and the Beast returns to St Helens Theatre Royal

WhatsAppenin LIVERPOOL!

Receive WhatsApp notifications about the latest big news, events, offers, competitions and much more!

SIGN UP NOW

Stay in the loop

Stay up to date with all the latest news, articles, events, and offers from across Liverpool!

We never share your information with anyone.

OTHER LINKS

  • Liverpool Maps
  • FAQs
  • Privacy Policy

SUB LINKS

  • About Us
  • Services
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Services
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Contact

DIRECTORY LINKS

  • Business Login
  • Register
  • View Directory

SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram Twitter Facebook Youtube Tiktok Linkedin

At Explore Liverpool we are all about bringing you everything the Liverpool City Region has to offer and more!

© 2022 Explore Liverpool

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
SettingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Explore Liverpool With Us!

Don't miss a thing. Sign up for our weekly roundup straight to your inbox! 🙌

Change Location
Find awesome listings near you!