RESIDENTS across North Wales have been urged to reach out for help if they find themselves struggling with mental health over the festive period.

The advice comes from Zoe Whitehead, business development officer at Wrexham-based mental health charity Advance Brighter Futures.

She said: "Christmas is not a happy time for everyone.

"There are so many societal pressures these days to be happy, be festive and get in the spirit of things - but that's not the reality.

"We have the cost of living crisis which people will find hard this year, and grief is especially hard at Christmas.

"It's a lonely time for a lot of people who might not have a good support network and the places they usually go to for support shut down over Christmas, so it can be isolating.

"Even those who have a big family around them can find it difficult - because it's not always a case of 'happy families.'

"Be kind to yourself and others - it's ok if you're not feeling festive.

"Setting boundaries for your own wellbeing isn't selfish and saying no to something is ok if it means putting yourself first."

Ms Whitehead said it's important to remember that asking for help is "not a failure in any sense."

She continued: "Helplines do stay open over Christmas if people are struggling or just want someone to talk to.

"Our tip is to make a list of these - save them in your phone or keep them somewhere easy to access.

"If you his that low point and you're really struggling, anything you can do to make it easier to reach out for help is good."

Helplines you can contact over Christmas

C.A.L.L Helpline

https://www.callhelpline.org.uk/

Call: 0800 132 737

Or text: HELP to 81066

 

Samaritans

https://www.samaritans.org/

Call: 116 123

 

NHS 111 Option 2

https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/health-advice/mental-health-hub/111-press-2/

Call: 111 and select option 2 for mental health support

 

Ms Whitehead also encouraged people to reach out to friends and family they know are alone at Christmas or may be struggling.

"It's wonders what impact a quick call or reaching out can have on someone," she said.

"For someone who is feeling isolated, knowing a person is thinking about them can be wonderful and can go a very long way."

Ms Whitehead said while there is still a "huge stigma" around speaking about mental health, she feels it is becoming easier to speak to family and friends about mental health - and has encouraged people to do so if they feel they need to.

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"When it comes to Christmas," she explained, "it's easy to get carried away with how everything should look on the outside.

"It's easy to forget mental health doesn't just stop - if you're struggling, those emotions don't just stop over Christmas.

"They can even be heightened so if you have friends and family, speak out if you're not feeling yourself or if you're struggling.

"Talking about it is the way to break down that stigma. You're not alone."