Christmas isn't good for everyone …………
Christmas can be a difficult time of year, even without a worldwide pandemic.
The expectation of happiness can make any difficult or negative feelings we might have more heightened. Lots of us may be spending Christmas day alone this year. This may feel tough, especially if it's not how you would choose to spend the day.
A recent MIND survey found that 17% of adults feel lonelier at Christmas, with 8% of us spending Christmas alone. Whether that’s because we're physically alone, or because we feel unable to connect with the people around us, it can be especially hard on the big day.
The thing is, you’re certainly not alone in feeling this way.
We hope that Upbeat Liverpool will help you to manage your emotions and feel less alone during the festive period, whether it be through relaxations, creativity or just by seeing friendly familiar faces.
Other support
Mind, the national mental health charity, gives tips on how to cope at Christmas and New Year and suggestions for supporting others: Mind: Mental Health and Christmas
The Samaritans offer wonderful support 24/7 whether you want to call - 116 223, email on jo@samaritans.org or write to them and offer a self-help app too. For tips on looking after your mental health this Christmas, visit: Mental Health Foundation
Keep Safe
Whatever way you're spending Christmas, it's important to keep yourself and others safe. We've all been so careful at the centres, so let's collectively try to keep this up. Take lateral flow tests before meeting others, open windows, wear a face covering and book that booster jab if you haven't done already.
Timetables
If you're a Wellbeing Centre member and you're feeling in need of a supportive chat in between Christmas and New Year you're welcome to call us during the times advertised.
We're planning on returning to our buildings from 4th January, it's just a tiny bit uncertain so we'll be watching infection rates over the festive period. Our Zoom sessions will continue as planned whatever happens and we'll still be posting on Upbeat.
If this year has taught us anything it's that together we can get through the hardest of times and come out stronger
So our Christmas Message is: to be gentle with yourself and others, reach out for help if you need it and keep safe.
All the very best everyone and we look forward to seeing you all in the New Year!
PSS Wellbeing Centres Team