The Christmas support thread
 

While Christmas can be a great joy to many there are some people who struggle at this time of year. This thread is for people who find Christmas tough and for those who don't to give support.

Personally today I found today that the bus was full when compared to normal. People are doing their Christmas shopping and as for Black Friday forget it. Too anxiety provoking. The only good thing is that I don't have to brave the supermarket this year as I have my shopping delivered.

I think this thread is great - although personally don't feel it will apply to me until closer to the 25th Dec. There's a lot of expectation around Christmas also, and to feel as though you should be happy and having a good time. My support goes out to those who are dreading Christmas with families or are alone, or who struggle with the hype leading up to it.

Oh God. Thank you so so much for making this thread. You're amazing.

Thank you for making this thread. I really struggle with the lead up to christmas because of memories of abuse.

Thank you as well. if no one made this thread I was considering starting it myself.

I have lost quite a few people over the past couple years, and one of the losses happened on Christmas.

On top of that it's just hard, as I live away from my family, and since I lost my friends and stuff...Christmas is so much about spending time with loved ones and safe homey feelings, and I can't have any of that.

Sorry for the gloom.

*gentle hugs everyone*

I'm going to be on my own this christmas for the first time in a few years.

I don't know what to do. A couple of friends have bee wonderful and invited me over. Part of me wants to be alone. But I don't know. I might volunteer.

Christmas is looking quite sad for me this year. Just makes me miss my mum

I miss my mom too. very lonely.

I'm sorry you're struggling so much Jodie <3 Are you considering taking up your friends' offers? I've considered volunteering too.

I've volunteered at a drop in for the homeless at Christmas before. Did it a few years running. I really, really enjoyed it. Definitely recommend it!

One year I did crisis at Christmas, it was awesome. Very fulfilling!

Hugs Amy. Hugs everyone.

Thank you Dawn for starting this thread.

This time of year is always hard but this is my first Christmas without my mum and it hurts so much. She loved this time of year and it's her birthday at Christmas, so I would normally be buying her two presents which I always enjoyed doing. I feel so sad I can't do that this year. Christmas is everywhere and a constant reminder. I miss her so much.

Im not even sure what to do. I'll be spending Christmas with my dad and sister, but we aren't doing christmas dinner or decorations etc. We will obviously think about her a lot. I would like to make a cake for her birthday, but not sure if it is appropriate. We always had birthday cake on her birthday and I'd like to decorate it with red icing, her favourite colour.

I think that's a lovely idea. I often light a candle for my mum.

Thanks J. A candle is lovely. I'm so sorry you have been through this too.

I light candles for my mom too, on different occasions.

Sketchy, I think the birthday cake is definitely appropriate, as is anything you feel would celebrate her life.

My mom loved chocolate, and After 8 and anything orange, so I often buy those on significant dates in her memory.

I'm so sorry for your losses and I have no words as I am still grieving too. xx

Amy, that's a lovely suggestion <3

That's a lovely way to remember someone Amy.

Gentle hugs to those who have posted on this thread.

I am hoping that my mh will be good this year. I am kinda worried because I was hypomanic one year and one year the voices were so bad that I ended up taking prn and spending most of Christmas day asleep. I am having my depot a week late because my cpn is going to be off work so I am hoping that it doesn't have a adverse effect on my mh. I am hoping that I don't end up taking prn because it makes me sleep a lot.