While the festive season is enjoyable for many, it’s also a time of year that can cause significant stress, putting extra pressure on our mental health. Support is available.
Mersey Care, one of the biggest mental and community health trusts in the North West, has produced a new suite of resources to support our mental health over Christmas and New Year. You can find Mersey Care’s mental health at Christmas portal on their website. It has a range of resources, tips, and support to help you manage your wellbeing, stay connected, and take care of yourself during the holidays.
The Mental Health Foundation has ten top tips specifically designed to help you look after your mental wellbeing throughout the festive period.
Crisis mental health support
A mental health crisis often means that you no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation. It often involves a sudden or continued worsening of your symptoms. You may feel great emotional distress or anxiety, feel you can’t cope with day-to-day life, think about suicide or self-harm, or experience hallucinations and hearing voices.
Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. NHS staff will then support you to get the help you need. The help line is available 24/7 for people of all ages including children and young people
Samaritans
A safe place to talk 24/7 about whatever is troubling you. Call 116 123. Visit www.samaritans.org/
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Health, said:
“While the festive lights shine brightly, we must remember this season can be a difficult time for anyone dealing with loss, loneliness, or pre-existing mental health challenges which can be amplified by festive pressure and financial stress.
“It’s important that everyone knows where to turn for support, whether that’s for practical coping strategies, access to therapies, or urgent help. Protecting our community’s mental wellbeing is a year-round priority, and I urge everyone to make use of the resources available to ensure a safer and healthier Christmas for themselves and their loved ones.”