News Release, 26 November 2001
Christmas may be the season of good cheer, but for many of us it's also the season of great stress. The Mental Health Foundation's Twelve Days to a Mentally Healthy Christmas aims to help people take the strain out of the festive season.
"At this time of year the pressure is on to buy a clutch of perfect presents, get your home looking just right and to be in the best of moods" said Ruth Lesirge, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation. "But it's important to keep it all in proportion and not to let it get on top of you because stress can be a contributory factor in depression and some other mental health problems. We would encourage people to look after their mental health over the next few weeks and to resist the pressure to try and make it perfect."
On the 1st day of Christmas…
Do it your way
Why have a conventional Christmas if it's not right for you? If roast dinner, fairy lights and a houseful of relatives aren't your idea of a day to remember, you can always do it differently.
On the 2nd day of Christmas…
Make a plan
Planning ahead and doing things in advance will make it all much more manageable. Prepare some food and freeze it, start the shopping early. And don't be too ambitious - the simpler your plan the easier it will be to carry it off.
On the 3rd day of Christmas…
Avoid the crowds
If being in a crowd of frantic shoppers pushes up your stress levels, you can avoid the shops altogether by using mail order or the internet. That way you can always go late-night shopping for the festive atmosphere, without the pressure of having to actually buy anything. And if money's tight, don't feel you have to buy big expensive gifts; more modest presents that are well thought-out will go down just as well, if not better.
On the 4th day of Christmas…
Call a friend
With one in four people experiencing mental health problems at any one time, there's bound to be someone on your Christmas card list who's feeling anything but festive. Give them a call and see if they want to get together or just talk. The support of friends can be really helpful for people with mental health problems, so don't shy away - stay in touch.
On the 5th day of Christmas…
Avoid a cash crisis
Retailers know that we tend to overspend at Christmas, and they certainly make the most of it. Don't be persuaded by adverts encouraging you to buy new furniture and the sight of shoppers laden with expensive-looking gifts. Work out a budget and stick to it - the worry of how to get back in the black is the last thing you need for a mentally healthy start to the new year.
On the 6th day of Christmas…
Learn to relax
There are some really simple techniques you can learn which will help you stay calm when it all gets too much. Lie down in a quiet place and tense and relax each area of your body in turn, starting at your feet and slowly working up to your face and scalp. Learn how to control your breathing, inhaling deeply, holding it for a moment and then exhaling slowly. Sounds very simple but it works!
On the 7th day of Christmas…
Don't be lonely
If you will be on your own for Christmas and that's not through choice, is there someone you can contact who will also be alone? You could call them up and arrange to spend time together, or even to simply phone each other on the day. Or if you want to get out of the house and keep busy, you could find out of there are any volunteering opportunities in your area for Christmas Day. It could be a good way of seeing people and you'll be helping someone out at the same time.
On the 8th day of Christmas…
Attend to family matters
A family Christmas isn't always a happy one and trying to keep the peace can be stressful. If you're having a family gathering and you know that certain people don't always see eye to eye, be realistic about what to expect and plan accordingly. If you have low expectations it will be a pleasant surprise if all goes well, and try not to put pressure on yourself to keep everyone happy.
On the 9th day of Christmas…
Get moving
Exercise will help you sleep better and help you forget about your worries. People with mental health problems have reported that exercise can be really helpful, so take a tip from us and see if it lifts your mood.
On the 10th day of Christmas…
Make time for you
Take time out to do things you enjoy. Go for a walk on your own, run a bath and lock the door, read a book, dig the garden - if you need a break, don't feel bad about spending some time alone.
On the 11th day of Christmas…
Watch those tipples
A pint at lunchtime, sherry before dinner, wine with the main course, liqueur with your coffee. And a tot at bedtime. There's a lot of booze flowing over Christmas and too much can disturb your sleep patterns and make you irritable. If you like to indulge, plan an alcohol-free day to give your mind (as well as your body) a chance to recover. Alcohol also makes some of us more prone to arguments, so be sensible and monitor your drinking - for everyone else's sake too.
On the 12th day of Christmas…
Be easy on yourself
Remember that it doesn't all have to be perfect. Christmas is just one day so if the turkey gets burnt or there's a power cut, try not to fret. There are invariably other ways to enjoy your Christmas.
Return to news releases 2001
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
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