Wellbeing

Surviving Christmas 

As families around the world prepare to celebrate Christmas by decorating their homes, singing carols, buying gifts and planning feasts, often the true meaning of Christmas can be lost due the commercial exploitation of this time of year. Many people see it as a joyous occasion to spend with family and friends, but for others it is viewed as a stressful and challenging time attributed by a combination of things such as financial pressures, relationship issues, and quite often, loneliness.

During the Christmas period, there is a huge increase in the number of calls to support organisations. Many of these callers are considered to be in a high-risk category and sadly, this is the ugly side to Christmas. Should you, or a loved one, ever feel that the pressure of Christmas becomes too much, it is important to seek help. Reach out to a trusted friend, talk to your doctor or counsellor, or phone one of the many support organisations available to you 24/7.