Tis the season…

Deck the halls, roast the chestnuts on an open fire and hark the herald angels are singing… right?

The holiday season is upon us and I’ll stress holiday because it’s not just the C word, there are several major religious/international festive celebrations ongoing. But whatever celebration you observe they tend to all have the same underlining message - a time for family, for not being alone and a time of joy and happiness.

All the adverts show happy families, children surrounded by presents, feasts prepared with ease and beautiful warm homes. Even our holiday films emphasise a life were falling in love over the season is so easy, it’s like ‘boom, there is your happily ever after!’

Even in real life it can be everywhere you look with shops overflowing with stock and pubs/restaurants filled to the brim with people. This year I suspect it could be even busier than normal with so many looking to make up for nearly 20 months of restrictions. But nevertheless, the reality for a lot of people is that the holidays bring with them sadness, loneliness and money worries.

Not to sound all Tiny Tim on you* but it is very important that we remember that the idealised image of the holidays is a far reality for so many people. December is a month where depression rates rise, alongside debt and stress and hangovers can almost double from the average month!

Suicide rates traditionally hold the same in December contrary to popular belief but the stressors of the month seem to add to a dramatic rise in January. Not too mention a huge surge in families/marriages breaking down in January after hanging on to “get through” the festive time.

The next few weeks is a tricky time to navigate and if you are feeling it, just know you are not alone. Peace and good will do not just flurry upon us because some twinkly lights decorate the streets. But there are ways to get through this…

• Stay Active
  It sometimes feels like it is dark outside all day at this time of year. Add to that the lure of meet ups, drinks and shopping can often mean exercise and just general activity goes down the drain. But it is so important for your body and mind to keep active! Try to get out for a walk each day and get those work outs in first thing so the rest of the day is free. Be kind to that body of yours!

• Pace Yourself
  After nearly two years in pandemic life it’s understandable for people to want to just go out; do everything and buy everything they can. Take a bit of time and plan out this period sensibly. Do what you feel safe with and remember this isn’t a competition. You don’t need the most night outs pics on Insta or endless presents under the tree for the kids. Getting into debt for this isn’t worth it, destroying your days with endless hangovers isn’t worth it… you still have a normal life to live and you don’t need to try and do it all!
  

• Lonely
  For many people loneliness isn't a new feeling but it sure as hell can excelarate this time of year. Not everyone has family to visit and friends to see. In addition, for many struggling with their mental health even if surrounded by people then can feel completely alone. Asking if people you know are OK… well that could be life changing.

And finally… SEEK HELP if you need it! We will say it again incase you didn’t hear it the first time - YOU ARE NOT ALONE! If you are struggling to talk then reach out to either us or any support service!

Email us at info@trashpandahq.com

Samaritans (24hrs) - 116 123

*In case you didn’t get the Tiny Tim reference see below you uneducated swine (I joke, I only know this because of The Muppets Christmas Carol!!!)

“He hoped that people saw him in the church because he was a cripple and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk and blind men see”

Witten by Katy Forrester
Co-founder & Director