It’s quite easy to point out the negatives of 2020. Rightly so, we’ve lost so many lives, our freedom and to a degree, our sport also. But it’s not all bad, it never is. Remember when there were dolphins in the canals of Venice, Captain Tom raised over £30million for the NHS, how our communities came together to clap for our NHS each Thursday evening, remember the “Tiger King” phenomenon, how loungewear became a staple in our wardrobes, the likes of Ford, Tesla and other automakers made ventilators and other medical devices to help with the pandemic, the creatives among us created facemasks and related accessories for our NHS staff, keyworkers and care home residents? Amongst all the chaos and heartbreak, there are positives. In times when everything seems so dark and bleak, we need to shift our focus not only on the good in the world, but also what we can control. For most of us, we can’t control the virus and how it affects the UK. But we can control our behaviours to limit the chance of it affecting ourselves and our loved ones, we can control our actions and follow the rules, we can control how we speak to others and brighten their days. We don’t have to think so big all the time, remember charity starts at home.
It’s the holiday season. December is supposed to be the month of spreading joy and celebration. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, there’s no getting away from the Christmas lights around town, the carols and Christmas songs on the radio, the Secret Santas and gift giving. It’s a great way to end a miserable year. But Christmas isn’t a jolly time for everyone. The cold air and dark nights aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen just how damaging a lack of routine can be to our mental health, and how home isn’t a safe space for everyone. That, on top of struggles people can have from the food we’re told we must eat at Christmas, and how, for many, this may be the first Christmas without certain loved ones. Before shouting “bah humbug” or calling someone a “Grinch” for not being so jolly, take a second to realise there is more than just meets the surface. Support that person and sprinkle them with your own Christmas joy.
If this time of year is triggering to you, or if you’re just not feeling Christmassy this year, there are a number of things to remember:
And finally, remember that whatever your Christmas looks like, however you are feeling during the holidays, you are NOT alone, and there are people to help.
Instead of a wellbeing activity this month, I’m going to share a number of Helplines that are working throughout the holidays.
Papyrus:
For people under 35 experiencing thoughts of suicide, and those supporting them
Call: 0800 068 4141
Text: 07860 039 967
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Samaritans:
24/7 listening service.
Call: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Childline:
A listening service for anyone aged under 19. Trained counsellors are ready to listen to any of your concerns or worries, 24/7.
Call: 0800 11 11
Online chat feature.
Silverline:
Providing information, friendship and advice to older people, 24/7
Call: 0800 4 70 80 90
NSPCC:
When you’re concerned for a child or what happened to you as a child.
Call: 0808 800 5000
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
Online webform
Shout:
Confidential 24/7 text support service for those struggling to cope and need mental health advice, help and support.
Text: 85258
If all else fails, here are some funny Christmas videos to bring a smile to your face!
Skip to 50seconds for LOLs
And a funny dog video for good measure:
On behalf of everyone at Cheer From Head to Toe, we wish you a safe and joyous Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Upside-Down-Time will be back in the new year with some upcoming interviews so stay tuned for those. Continue to tag us in your images and videos so we can feature them online.
Take care,
Rachel
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