News

While Christmas is typically seen as a time of celebration and happiness, it’s not unusual to feel extra pressure at this time of year. The festive season can affect your mental health in lots of different ways.  

 

“No matter how big or small your worries feel, reaching out for help can be a powerful step to feeling better. Try speaking to a friend or family member or accessing some of the wellbeing and mental health support available locally” says Justine Hill, Deputy Associate Director of Primary Care and Community Health Services.  

 

“It is ok to say no to things that feel overwhelming and prioritise your wellbeing during this time. Take small steps, be kind to yourself and remember, you’re not alone. Our teams are here throughout Christmas and New Year offering a range of support and advice to support your mental wellbeing”.  

 
Mind have produced some useful guidance designed to help those struggling with their mental health at Christmas , and you can find lots of resources designed to support with different mental health symptoms on both the local children’s mental health and Talking Therapies websites. However, if you’re finding things tough or difficult to manage, there is lots of other support available to people living in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. If you’re feeling this way, it is okay to reach out for help.  
 

“For some children and parents, school holidays can be a stressful time and changes to usual routines can be unsettling” says Dr Katie Powell, Associate Medical Director for Children, Young People and Families.  

   

“Families and young people can find Christmas and New Year difficult for lots of reasons and it can highlight feelings of loneliness and isolation, or lead to people becoming anxious or depressed. It is important to look after our emotional, mental health and wellbeing.  

 

“I encourage young people and families to take a look at the range of support available on the CAMHS website and through digital wellbeing platforms. There is support available every day of the year, 24 hours a day”.  

 

Young people aged 11-25 can access  Kooth, a free, safe, anonymous online emotional wellbeing community that is accessible 24/7, 365 days of the year and provides access to chat sessions with accredited counsellors and qualified emotional wellbeing practitioners.  

   

Local families can also access Lumi Nova, a new digital therapy platform, supporting children aged 7-12 years through a fun and engaging mobile game designed to help manage and reduce symptoms of anxiety whilst building resilience and skills to support them longer term, gain confidence and thrive.

 

Additionally, Young Minds provides a wealth of online information, advice and signposting through their website.

   

If you just want to talk, listening services are also provided by charities such as  Samaritans or Shout Crisis Helpline. They are free to access and available 365 days a year.

    

People of all ages, including children, who are in crisis or concerned family and loved ones can call 111, select the mental health option and speak to a trained mental health professional. This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including Christmas and Boxing Day.  

   

Details of local urgent mental health support can be accessed by visiting the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust website.  

   

If yours or someone’s life is at risk – for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose you should phone 999 or visit your nearest emergency department.