Christmas and Mental Health

Christmas can be a wonderful time of year but it can also be really hard.  The expectations we have don't always match what happens.

The Mental Health Foundation promote these brilliant tips for looking after yourself and others:

Tips for looking after your mental health this Christmas
 

How you can be your own best friend this Christmas

• feel the way you feel, without judgement
• try not to be harsh with yourself
• make the festive period work for you as well as everyone around you
• remind yourself that you are loved
• be you, not what you think other people want you to be
• It should be a rest day, so take it easy. If you want to stay in bed, do it!

What's your agenda this Christmas?

• let others know what your feelings and expectations are – parents, in-laws etc.
• try to get some balance between your social obligations and what you want to do for yourself
• remind yourself that not everything ‘needs’ to happen over the festive period
• There's nothing wrong with saying 'no', but be sensitive to others at the same time
• it's also a time to look after your well-being, so prioritise it
• you'll need time for yourself. Don't be afraid to remind people. They'll understand and probably feel the same way

What self-care and day-to-day activities do you want to keep doing?

• if it's sunny outside, wrap up and just sit in the garden to get a blast of winter sun on your face
• close your eyes and take slow breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth
• find some time for yourself – have a long soak in a hot bath Treat yourself
• if you're finding it difficult to sleep, stick as close as possible to your usual routine
• Keep up with your self-care routine – exercise, sleep, socialise, volunteer, walk outdoors
• do some charity or community work. It will really help your feelings of positivity as well as help others
• if you live on your own, don't be afraid to ask someone to keep an eye out for you and to check in on how you’re doing
• do what makes you happy. Be indulgent. Pamper yourself

What do you want to do this Christmas?

• you could make a note of what is really important to you
• and do things one at a time. There's no hurry
• expect the unexpected. You never know how the day will turn out
• remind yourself that your routine will probably change during this time
• plan ahead and have some nice things arranged that you’d like to do outside of family gatherings
• Christmas with your family can sometimes be tough. Plan something to look forward to with your ‘chosen family’ (friends, neighbours etc.) for afterwards

See their website below for more information:

You and your mental health still matter this Christmas | Mental Health Foundation

The Toby Henderson Trust have also produced a brilliant booklet for supporting Neurodivergent Families:

2025 Christmas tips for neurodivergent families

If you’re a child or young person in Sunderland and need mental health support:

Healthy Heads - Mental Health Support to access this service please speak to your Mental Health Lead in school. They can guide you to the right support and make a referral if needed.

Community Services: Access to Sunderland Community Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services is also via your school or your GP 

You can also access support here:

• Crisis Number - 111 and select option 2 
  • If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, dial 111 and select option 2. You can use this number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

  • This does not replace an ’emergency’ service such as a 999 response. 

• Mental Health Crisis Text Service - 'CALMER' to 85258
  • A new free, confidential mental health crisis text service is now available across the North East and North Cumbria. Anyone feeling anxious, stressed, isolated or struggling can text 'CALMER' to 85258 for 24/7 support from trained mental health professionals via Shout.