It’s not always easy knowing where to start or what to say.
Can I support my mate at Christmas?
Christmas is a hard time of year for lots of people, for many different reasons. It can make existing problems feel worse and add new ones. If there are people in your life who find Christmas difficult, you can help.
Things you can do
- Understand that Christmas means something different to other people, and may bring up very different feelings.
- Let them know you understand Christmas can be difficult, and you're there for them.
- Tell them they're not alone. They might not know it's common to find things hard at this time of year.
- Listen to what they say, and accept their feelings.
- Ask if there are things you can start, stop or continue doing. Give them time to think and come back to you.
- Ask if there are particular things about Christmas that are difficult for them, and ask what they think might help.
Useful links & resources
Christmas & Mental Health mind.org.uk
Mind have created an amazing website of support, which explains how the period around Christmas and New Year might affect your mental health. It gives tips on how to cope and suggestions for supporting someone else.