While for many people there’s lots to enjoy over the festive season, it is also a time of year that often puts extra pressure on us, and this can cause stress and affect our mental health.
The Mental Health Foundation has ten top tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing over the festive period.
Mind Plan for good mental health
The Every Mind Matters website also has a range of free self-care resources and support available to help you to look after your mental health, including the free Mind Plan.
Simply, answer 5 short questions to get a free personalised mental health action plan, with tips and advice to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
There’s also the option to join a 4-week email support programme where you can get reminders, receive new tips and are encouraged to make looking after your mental wellbeing part of your everyday routine.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Health, said:
“The festive season, and Christmas in particular, can be a very difficult time. People may have lost a loved one and find this time of year especially hard, they may have a perception that everyone else is enjoying themselves, or they may already be struggling with their mental health due to cost of living worries or other concerns.
“If you know someone who may be feeling isolated or struggling emotionally at this time of year, please take time to reach out to them and offer your support.”
Crisis mental health support
If you, or someone you know are in mental health crisis and no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation and need urgent help, you can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option for 24/7 access to urgent support. NHS staff will then support you to get the help you need. Available for people of all ages, including children and young people, available 24/7.
Non-urgent mental health support
Adults – support and advice helplines and services
- Shout – offers confidential 24/7 text messaging support for times when you need immediate support. Trained volunteers can help with issues such as stress, anxiety and depression and will work with you to take your next steps towards feeling better. Text the word “SHOUT” to 85258. Visit www.giveusashout.org
- Samaritans – a safe place to talk 24/7 about whatever is troubling you. Call 116 123. Visit samaritans.org/
- Talking Therapies – free NHS therapy for people with common mental health problems such as anxiety or depression, to help you change the way you feel by changing the way you think. Online therapy available 24/7, with weekly online support from your therapist. Six-week course also available to help you to develop skills to manage your mood. Visit merseycare.nhs.uk and search talking therapies.
- Listening Ear – provides counselling support for people of all ages. Call 0151 488 6648 Visit https://listening-ear.co.uk
- Silver Line – free, confidential telephone service (run by Age UK) for those aged 55 and over, provides friendship, conversation and support 24/7. Call 0800 470 8090 or visit thesilverline.org.uk/
- AMPARO – free confidential support for anyone affected by suicide. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit amparo.org.uk/
- The Hub of Hope – online resource signposting people to local support services. Visit hubofhope.co.uk
- Every Mind Matters NHS website – offers expert advice, practical tips and personalised action plans from the NHS to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing. Visit Every Mind Matters – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Children and young people – support helplines and services
The agencies below can offer support to help you look after your own mental health, or if you are concerned about someone you know.
- Zuntold provides online and face to face counselling and support using the power of creative writing and books as therapy. Available for young people aged 11-19 and up to age 25 for those with additional needs. Find out more visit the website.
- Listening Ear – provides face to face counselling support for people of all ages including children and young people.Call 0151 488 6648. Visit https://listening-ear.co.uk
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) works with young people up to the age of 18 who have emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties which are causing difficulties in their school, family or social life. Speak to your GP, health visitor, social worker or school health advisor who will be able to refer you into this specialist service.
- DiAmond – for children and young people who have been affected by domestic abuse and require support for their mental and emotional wellbeing. Call 0151 488 6648. Visit Emotional Support for Domestic Abuse – Listening Ear Merseyside (listening-ear.co.uk).
- Butterflies – for children and young people who require mental and emotional support following bereavement, loss or separation. Call 0151 488 6648. Visit Affected by Bereavement & Loss – Listening Ear Merseyside (listening-ear.co.uk).
- ADDvanced Solutions– provides support for children, young people and their families living with neurodevelopmental conditions, specific learning difficulties and associated mental health needs. Call 0151 486 1788. Visit addvancedsolutions.co.uk
- Young Minds – offers lots of practical tips and advice and real-life stories from other young people who have struggled with their mental health. Parents and carers who are concerned about their child’s mental health up to the age of 25 can get advice from the confidential helpline – call 0808 802 5544. You can also access webchat and email advice via the website youngminds.org.uk