Christmas can be a time when we can experience lots of different emotions
Support is always available
Covid-19 Changes
Christmas in a time when Covid_19 is still a threat increases the challenges that some of us are already facing.
It has been hard to meet up with friends and family members over the last two years so it is understandable that you might feel that Christmas will feel very different again this year. Christmas is supposed to be about time with family and friends, right? It doesn’t feel quite the same constantly catching up over a video call instead of meeting in person.
Some children and young people who have contacted Childline have told us about how Covid-19 has brought many challenges and financial worries for parents, carers and families. Christmas is a time when this kind of pressure can be especially felt.
Alcohol and staying safe
It is also a time of year where we find ourselves meeting with or talking to family members over an extended period of time. This is not an easy experience for some. People drinking alcohol very heavily at this time of year can make things even harder.
It is important that if this is happening around you, that you can find ways to keep yourself safe. Childline is always here to support you.
Talking can help
When we feel overwhelmed, or like we cannot cope, it can really help to talk. It can be a powerful experience to say how we are feeling out loud, or to get another person’s view on something.
It is so important to connect with someone and to know that there is support available to you. If you would like to talk about how you are feeling, it can help to start by thinking about who you feel comfortable talking with.
There are other things that you might be able to do by yourself that might help also:
- Perhaps you could try reading, watching a movie or writing down how you feel?
- Is there a podcast that you could listen to?
- If you are interested in exercise, is there a park nearby where you could run, walk or just sit and listen with no interruptions?
- Is there a new hobby or interest you would like to learn more about?
Support is here for you
If you find yourself in an unsafe space over the holiday period it is important to remember that there is help. Thinking of who has helped you in the past when you had similar feelings can help. You can also contact the Gardai. While this might sound daunting, remember, it is their job to help when you are in a risk situation.
Learning to get support and work through the issues is important and here at Childline we are here for you. It can often help to talk. Sometimes, talking to friends and family can feel hard. You might feel like you don’t have anyone who might understand your perspective. That is understandable.
Childline is a safe place where the focus is on you and what is going on for you. Talking to someone is sharing and through talking it may help you reduce your anxiety. We can put you in contact with help services if you wish also. Our service is available to you 24 hours a day, every day.
Other Resources
Yourmentalhealth.ie is a support service provided by the HSE. It provides additional information about mental health and services available to you.
Jigsaw.ie provides free, confidential, mental health supports to young people aged 12 – 25.
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