This Christmas support those struggling with their mental health
Christmas isn’t always festive – help support those struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. As the Christmas holidays approach, many families are preparing to share the day together, open presents, enjoy a festive dinner and be together. This year will be different due to the latest coronavirus restrictions, but despite this there was and still will be those who may not be feeling festive and are struggling with grief, loneliness, poverty and this can have a detrimental impact on their mental health.
The local NHS across Coventry and Warwickshire are making a plea to the local communities to make sure they check in on those who may be on their own, vulnerable or struggling this Christmas and New Year.
Dr Sarah Raistrick, GP and Chair at NHS Coventry and Rugby and Warwickshire North CCGs, said: “We are asking people across Coventry and Warwickshire not to forget those who need extra support over the Christmas and New Year holidays this year.
“Support is available via local and national charities, but we are asking residents to pick up the phone, check in with anyone you know who may be struggling and offer any support they may need. This could be with shopping, help to cook them dinners, collect medication and it could be just to chat over the phone, or a video call with a coffee.”
Mind offers advice and support information about coping with Christmas. If you struggle with your wellbeing around Christmas they have information on why you find Christmas hard and their information may help. It could be for several reasons including:
- Bereavement of loved ones
- Grief or disappointment for lost experiences
- Frustration of feeling overlooked
- Pressure and expectations
- Stress and money worries
- Wishing you could skip Christmas
If you’re experiencing any of these feelings, it is ok to feel this way. And there are lots of things you can do to take care of your mental wellbeing.
Dr David Spragget, GP and Chair at NHS South Warwickshire CCG, said: Some of us may feel disappointed that we can't spend this Christmas as we usually would. If you feel this way, the tips from Mind may help you to enjoy Christmas during the pandemic.
“Christmas can be a difficult time, even without the pandemic. This year will be different with the government restrictions in place, but don’t forget there are those who will be spending “Christmas alone or may be working Christmas Day and will not be able to be with their loved ones. Show them they are not alone by offering them help and support even if it is from a distance or over the phone.
“It is vital people follow the latest advice and guidance; keep washing your hands regularly, wear a mask and continue to social distance to help stop the spread of coronavirus and help reduce the pressure on our local hospitals.”
Mel Coombes, Chief Nurse, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “In our services we have seen that the Coronavirus pandemic has had a big impact on the mental health of people in our area. If left unaddressed, anxiety, stress and low mood can escalate into something worse, which is why we encourage anyone who may be struggling to contact our NHS services by calling Freephone 08081 966798, or to call those services provided in the community.
“In this challenging year where contact has been reduced with family and friends, it is more important than ever to know you are not alone and there are services here to talk to about how you are feeling or struggling with your mental health.”
For the latest guidance on the area tier and restrictions over Christmas, please visit the government website.
For support and tips for coping during Christmas, visit the Mind website or call
If you're struggling this Christmas, you may want to find support for your mental health. There are a few ways that you can do this:
- NHS Mental Health Access Hub : 08081 966798, free 24/7 service
- Rise (for children and young people) call 08081 966798, free 24/7 service
- Dimensions Tool offers immediate tailored self-help support and signposting to local services.
- Mental Health Matters Coventry and Warwickshire call 0800 616 171, free 24/7 and confidential
- Chat Health is a free service that enables 11 – 18 year olds across Coventry and Warwickshire to send confidential SMS text messages to School Nurses who will provide impartial advice and support.
- For Warwickshire, text 07507 331 525
- For Coventry, text 07507 331 949
- Coventry and Warwickshire Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service, call 024 7667 1090
- Warwickshire County Council
- Coventry City Council
- The Samaritans call 116 123
- YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: text YM to 85258
- Papyrus Hopeline UK suicide prevention helpline: call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967
- Every Mind Matters is the national NHS mental health support to help you manage and maintain your mental health, as good mental health makes such a difference. Recourses, tools and free apps are available to help support you and your family.
If you feel like you might attempt suicide, or may have seriously harmed yourself, you should get urgent medical help. Please:
- call 999 for an ambulance
- go straight to A&E, if you can
If you are in crisis right now and looking for ways to help yourself stay safe, Mind’s crisis coping tools can help.