National mental health charity Turn2Me is preparing for its busiest period of the year, which occurs around Christmas. The charity offers counselling sessions throughout the Christmas period, including on Christmas Day. Turn2Me described the increased demand for its services as being because of emotional and financial strains, and people feeling unwell.
Emotional strains
According to Turn2Me emotional strains are largely down to the strains of family life, heightened when people are forced to spend long periods confined indoors with their families. The charity said that most people have at least one dysfunctional relationship in their family, whether it’s with siblings, parents, grandparents or even their own children.
Financial strains
Most people find the holiday season expensive – many people spend more money at office Christmas parties, meeting friends for Christmas dinners and drinks, and buying presents for families. If you’re hosting family members, you also foot the bill for increased food, electricity, and heating costs.
Feeling unwell
Because of flu season, many of us have already experienced a nasty flu or cold. Getting through Christmas when you’re feeling achy and miserable is difficult. People may have to miss reunions or social outings with friends or family, or they might have to plough ahead with hosting or childcare duties when they’re feeling under the weather.
“For many, the Christmas period is an idyllic time," said Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me. "When we think of Christmas, we often think of an open fire, the smell of cinnamon and overeating delicious food. But this isn’t the reality of Christmas for many. Many people are bracing themselves for old family dysfunctions to surface, most of which stem all the way back to childhood.
"They might be worried about passive aggressive sneers, backhanded compliments, or hen-pecking comments that make them feel bad about themselves. The reality of Christmas for many people is a replay of toxic dynamics and conflicts. For anyone who’s feeling anxious or depressed over the Christmas period, Turn2Me’s services are there for you, 365 days a year, even on Christmas Day."
Turn2Me offers adults living in Ireland up to six free counselling sessions, along with unlimited paid counselling sessions, and unlimited free support groups on anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues. To sign up for these services, go to Turn2Me.ie
