Experts from Forward Thinking Birmingham share their mental health advice this festive period
The team at Forward Thinking Birmingham (FTB), the city’s mental health service for children and young people up to the age of 25 is offering advice from its experts for the festive period.
It’s one of the busiest times of the year and while it can be an exciting time for some, It can be daunting for others, especially those living with a mental health condition.
Breaking from routine and attending social gatherings can seem overwhelming however, there are a range of ways people can stabilise their emotions.
FTB has shared some tips from mental health experts to help people look after their wellbeing.
- Remember there is no right or wrong way to feel at this time. Some people love the festive period but there will be others finding it challenging. You are not alone and your feelings are valid.
- Be true to your feelings as there can be expectations to go out even when you're not feeling great. It's important to take a pause when we need it. Saying ‘no’ can be empowering and also needed.
- Show some self-compassion to yourself by making some time to do things you enjoy. Listen to your needs and check in with yourself. It's okay to take breaks or have some alone time if you need to.
- Try to communicate your needs at this time of year to those around you. If this isn't a possibility, reach out for external support – there is always someone to talk to.
Jessica Sharman, a Peer Support Worker at FTB, emphasised the importance of recognising diverse emotions and prioritising self-care, especially during the holiday season.
She said: "There can be a lot of pressure around the festive period, including a pressure to appear 'merry' even when you're not. But really, it's absolutely okay to feel a range of different emotions and it's absolutely okay to take a break or permit yourself to 'just be' sometimes.
“This is something that's taken me some time to get used to, especially with the fast-paced society we live in, but it's necessary to look after yourself during this time of year - or any time of year, really.
“Listen to yourself, listen to what you need and know that it's okay to pause or take a break.”
Where to go if people need support over the Christmas period
Kooth offers free online counselling for young people in Birmingham.
Birmingham Mind has lots of resources to help support your mental wellbeing and a 24/7 helpline on 0121 262 3555. It also has a Talking Space service available in three locations across the city, which offers an out-of-hours, safe place, to come and chat with Crisis Intervention Workers. They operate between 5pm and 11pm and are open to all adults (18+) living in Birmingham or Solihull.
Beateating Disorders has a one-to-one web chat, as well as resources around coping with an eating disorder at Christmas.
Forward Thinking Birmingham Pause Hubs offers drop-in sessions for people under 25 who have a Birmingham-based GP with no booking required. They are open across the festive period, excluding bank holidays and weekends. Visit our Forward Thinking Birmingham website for full opening times and a host of resources and support: Forward Thinking Birmingham