Several factors can trigger Christmas Anxiety: Social Obligations: The pressure to attend gatherings, host parties, or participate in numerous social events can feel overwhelming, especially for introverted individuals or those with social anxiety.

Christmas is traditionally a time of celebration, eating, drinking, spending time with family and friends, and generally enjoying the festive spirit. However, for those who struggle with a mental health condition, the yuletide season can be an especially difficult time.
There’s no doubt about it; Christmas can be stressful. Cooking, buying presents, keeping children entertained, decorating your home, cleaning up after family gatherings – the list of tasks is endless. For people who struggle with chronic stress, this time of year can be overwhelming and exhausting. It’s something that affects women more than men too.
Whether it’s the financial strain that accompanies gift buying, the cold and dark winter nights, or the reality of spending Christmas alone, there can be a number of triggers for mental health problems during the holiday season.

First of all, it’s important to recognise that if you’re struggling over the Christmas period, you're far from alone. Mental health issues at Christmas affect more of us than you might think

Society tells us that Christmas is a time of joy, laughter, cheerfulness, family and celebration. However, for people who struggle with depression, these types of pressures and constant reminders that you should be happy, can make you feel even worse.

If you’ve suffered a loss in your family, loneliness can combine with grief to make Christmas an experience that's endured rather than enjoyed. Even with the support of friends and family around you, feelings of isolation, loneliness,
So….

• Plan your time: Fill up your calendar by deciding exactly what you want to do around the festive period and Christmas Day itself. If you don’t feel up to it, don’t feel
coerced into celebrating with others

• Say “no”: Don’t feel like you have to do anything you don’t want to. Your loved ones and family members know what you’ve been through – they will understand

• Don’t feel guilty: If you do choose to participate in Christmas festivities, don’t feel guilty if you’re enjoying yourself. Think about how your loved one would have wanted
you to carry on with your life

• Ask for help: If you can’t cope with the overwhelming emotions surrounding your bereavement, reach out for support. Confide in a loved one or close friend, or consider
reaching out to dedicated support networks such as Samaritans. Support organisations such as Cruse Bereavement Care could also help you.

• Structure your days: Try not to limit yourself to just watching TV. Include some other activities, such as exercise, going for a walk or just going outside. Low-key events,
such as a trip to the cinema, can also provide a welcome escape.

• Be kind to yourself: While it may help to be around others, it’s important not to overwhelm yourself with situations where you may feel obliged to be cheerful. Try not to
isolate yourself for the whole time but know that it’s OK to put yourself first. Don’t feel like you have to do all that is traditionally expected of you

Take a break

Look after yourself

Join the local community

Everything in Moderation

Avoid social comparisons

Have realistic expectations

Don’t look back.