This Christmas, Take a Step Back

by Phoebe Clark

The happiest time of the year, Christmas is renowned for joy, love and giving. However, many people find this the hardest time of the year, something that is frequently ignored and disregarded by society. 

Turkey, chocolate, mince pies, Christmas pudding: this holiday revolves around food, so someone with an eating disorder can find this a pressurised and stressful environment. Adverts everywhere of families and friends reuniting over meals can be a dangerous message that excludes individuals who can’t bring themselves to face the idea of food. 

Furthermore, people without a family to spend Christmas with are constantly reminded of their loneliness, especially the old or the homeless. In fact, when I was searching online for somewhere a person alone could go at Christmas, I could find no gatherings near me. Therefore, for many, Christmas can be an isolating and thus detrimental time.

Merriness is deeply embedded within every Christmas card, with twinkly lights, warm glows and cheerful singing. So, how can someone suffering with depression and anxiety get away from it all? Especially if someone is suffering alone and has been too scared and misunderstood to ask for help or to be recognised. It can even be unbearable for someone who isn’t suffering at all or who just doesn't like this time of year. They can feel neglected and even scorned!

Therefore, as a community, we need to treat everyone we meet with care and respect because most of the time the unhappiness is so hidden within a person that an outsider could never tell how that person is feeling. Sharing positivity and understanding with everyone, while withdrawing from constant ‘merriness’, is how to start. 

And, over Christmastime, try to do a good deed or give a warm smile to someone in need, or just to anyone you meet, spreading genuine warmth rather than what can feel like compulsory cheer. Take a step back, this holiday.