News Release, 19 December 2003
The Mental Health Foundation is reminding everyone this festive season to take care of their relationships. Evidence shows that Christmas can be a stressful time for many people and can cause tension between friends, families and couples.
It is estimated this year that 80 per cent of people will be spending time with their families. At the same time, many other people are left feeling lonely and isolated. The Foundation hopes to encourage Christmas cheer with a few tips for those in either situation.
Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said: "Relationships can help protect our mental health and improve our wellbeing providing support and helping to make us feel confident and happy. Yet Christmas can increase stress levels and cause tension in relationships that can make us feel down and can lead to mental health problems."
Relationship tips this Christmas from the Mental Health Foundation:
Communicating
Talking openly about your needs but actively listening to others can help ease stress. Help focus your mind on your relationships this Christmas by filling in the relationship questionnaire on the Mental Health Foundation website which can be found at: www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mhaw/
Compromise
Take a relaxing step back from those fiery family encounters. Make people feel special this year by compromising and not arguing about every decision.
Friends and family
Trying to see everyone at Christmas can be a headache if your nearest and dearest live miles apart. So why not get everyone in one place this year, or decide to only see only those in a particular geographical area.
Being Single at Christmas
Not the best time of year to be in the doldrums about relationships when every one else is being merry and jolly. But New Year is only round the corner. Plan to go on holiday with friends or make those Christmas and New Year parties really matter and have a festive flirt - it could make you feel wonderful.
Festive tantrums
Christmas often seems a time of arguments than goodwill, but most people know the emotional triggers of their nearest and dearest. This year wear a smile rather than a frown and make people go red with laughter rather than with anger.
Lonely at Christmas
Research shows that one in ten people will be lonely at Christmas. If you don't want to be alone, try to contact someone who is also on their own and plan to meet up. Phone a friend or arrange to meet up with one - social interaction could lift your mood and make you feel festive. Or you can arrange to do some volunteering over Christmas. You'll meet people while giving up your time for a good cause.
Take time for yourself
Christmas is a time of giving so give yourself some time off from worry and stress. Research has shown that complementary therapies such as massage, acupuncture and essential oils are great at inducing relaxation. If you want something cheap and effective to ease your worries, try meditation: take yourself off to a quiet room, sit down on the floor, close your eyes, breath deeply and on every out breath say the word 'relax.' Meditating can help keep you stress-free, happy and full of energy for the festive season. There are many other ways to relax on your own - you can go for a walk, listen to music, do something creative such as writing, or call a friend who you haven't spoken to for a long time.
Return to news releases 2003
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
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