Christmas can be difficult for anyone, at any point in their life. You might be struggling this year for the first time. Or you may have found Christmas difficult in the past, and you’re not looking forward to it again this year.

You may also enjoy Christmas, but not be able to celebrate it how you’d like to. Or you might find some parts enjoyable, but other parts stressful.

Whatever you’re feeling, it’s OK to feel that way.

Here are a few tips to help you through the festive period:

• It’s ok to prioritise what’s best for you, even if others don’t seem to understand.
• Think about what you need and how you might be able to get it.
• Consider talking to someone you trust about what you need to cope.
• If you’re going to be somewhere unfamiliar for Christmas, think about what you need to help you cope. Are there things you can bring to make you feel more comfortable? Or is there somewhere you can go to take a break?
• Make a list of any services that you might want to access and their Christmas opening hours. For details about Bucks Mind’s services over Christmas, please visit our website.
• If you’re worried about feeling lonely or isolated this Christmas, make a list of some activities to help pass the time.
• Remind yourself that Christmas won’t last forever.
• Set your boundaries.
• Let yourself experience your own feelings.
• Take time out when you need to.
• If you can’t avoid something difficult, plan something for yourself afterwards to help reduce the stress or distress you might feel.

Please click here for more information about coping with Christmas.

Please click here for crisis support.

Call NHS 111 for 24/7 mental health advice for adults and children from Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

The Bucks Mind telephone line will be open until 4.30pm on Thursday 23^rd December. It will then be closed until Tuesday 4^th January 2022.

Most of our services are open up to and including Christmas Eve (Friday 24^th December 2021). They will then be closed over Christmas and New Year, reopening on Tuesday 4^th January 2022.