Happy Friday – I hope everyone is well. Its almost the weekend.
For some, today will be their final workday before Christmas. For those who are celebrating, I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year. For those who are not celebrating Christmas, I hope you enjoy the long bank holiday weekend.
I want to touch on a (often forgotten) point that not everyone celebrates Christmas. Many cultures and beliefs do not celebrate Christmas, yet it does feel in this country that many people are forced to “feel happy” at Christmas and become involved in the celebrations, regardless of their own beliefs. This might seem a controversial point to touch on, I accept that. I just would like everyone to keep in mind, not everyone celebrates Christmas, but some who do not celebrate Christmas may not feel comfortable talking about it openly either.
There are those who also do not find Christmas to be a time of happiness of celebration. It can be a horrendous time. Its important that we do approach people with compassion and not make assumptions (that is really important for inclusion and wellbeing generally).
I personally, do not celebrate Christmas. In late 2017, I was really ill – without going into details – it was serious. Whilst recovering, my dad passed away very suddenly, early in the new year. I do not celebrate Christmas, for me it’s a time of hurt and darkness. I get told to either just “get in the spirit” or “be happy” every year. I wish it was that easy. I do not celebrate Christmas as I do not feel I wish to. Sadly, Christmas is forced up on me every year.
The festive period can be one of the least inclusive times of the year. I share my own story to raise awareness and ask you to be considerate of others, not everyone can get in the spirit of Christmas.
I just want to end this post with something I say a lot, it is ok not to be ok.
Support resources are available throughout.
In an emergency – where a live is at risk, even with mental health, call 999
Mind
0300 123 3393
Helpline available
mind.org.uk
shout 85258
Text SHOUT to 085258
giveusashout.org
SAMARITANS
116 123
24/7 helpline
samaritans.org
Email: jo@samaritans.org
YOUNG MINDS
Text YM to 85258
24/ 7 text service
youngminds.org.uk
CALM (The Campaign against living miserably)
0800 58 58 58
Helpline for men
thecalmzone.net
PAPYRUS
0800 068 4141
Under 35s Helpline
Papyrus-uk.org
IDONTMIND
www.idontmind.com or @idontmind on social media
Andy’s Man Club
In person support groups for men – run at a local level
Andy’s Man Club | #ITSOKAYTOTALK | Andy’s Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk)
Action for Happiness
- Free training courses
- Daily actions app
- Support for happiness groups
Better Days Wellbeing 