Keep your mind healthy this Christmas

Not feeling jolly? If the festive season has left you low, there’s help at hand...

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In my ever-changing role as a GP, there’s one thing that has remained consistent throughout my entire career – and, sadly, that’s the deterioration in mental health and wellbeing that many patients suffer around Christmas and New Year.

I’ve seen a variety of reasons for this – money struggles, relationship worries or the preparation pressure of the season are all common. The loss of a loved one and the consequent emotions that the season can evoke are also recurrent. It’s easy to be reminded of friendships and relationships lost or to feel like everyone else is wrapped in love and happiness and you’re all alone.

It’s also wise to remember that there doesn’t have to be an identifiable reason. Christmas with all its feel-good films, melancholy music and New Year’s resolutions provides the perfect backdrop to just feel a bit low.