Coping with Christmas
Coping with Christmas
Wednesday, 07 December 2022
Christmas can be the most wonderful or the most stressful time of the year, depending on your situation and outlook. Expectations can be high around this time of year and minding your own mental health should be a priority.
In this article you will find:
Money worries
If money worries are stressing you out, ignoring it won’t alleviate the stress.
Financial stress
Every year lots of families feel financial strain at Christmas time. The economy has been doing better recently, though there are still challenges with job loss and unemployment. Many young people may not have been able to take on holiday jobs or part-time work.
If money worries are stressing you out, ignoring it won’t alleviate the stress. Talk to someone close to you about your situation to find ways to manage.
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) offer free and confidential advice online and over the phone. Citizens Information also provide a range of information about benefits and entitlements.
Managing conflict
Focus on the things within your control, such as strategies you can put in place to help you cope with stress
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Family conflict
While it’s lovely for some, for others, being forced to spend time with family at Christmas is a nightmare. Festivities outside of the home can offer respite. So the fact there will be fewer opportunities under current restrictions to get away, could add extra problems.
Think about your approach to managing family conflict. Focus on the things within your control, such as strategies you can put in place to help you cope with stress.
Remember also, many of the services which support people in relation to domestic violence remain available over Christmas.
Below are some ideas to deal with verbal conflict when it arises in your family.
- Try to be assertive- Rather than aggressive in the way you communicate. Be specific and clear about what you want. For example: “I have a different opinion from you, but I think/feel/want…”
- Listen and be listened to- Listening to a family member who disagrees with you can be easier said than done. However, it’s the key to resolving a conflict. Try and understand their point of view by asking questions and listening to what they have to say.
- Take a breather- Active listening is a skill and requires patience. This is not always easy, particularly when you are angry or upset. Sometimes it’s best to delay a conversation, take a moment, and start again when you are more ready. Try “I can’t speak about this right now, let’s chat later”.
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