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• NHS Talking Therapies

 ‘I should feel happy – it’s Christmas,

‘I should attend as many social events as possible – otherwise I’m being miserable,

‘I should create the perfect dinner, have decorations up and make sure my family have fun,

‘I should be able to afford to buy my family fantastic gifts.’

The word ‘should’ can create negative thinking patterns which affect the way we feel, physically and emotionally, and how we behave. Negative thinking can affect us at any time of year, of course, but we can be more vulnerable during the Christmas and New Year period.

North Yorkshire Talking Therapies, together with similar NHS services across the North East and Yorkshire region, provides a range of psychological therapies which are effective for dealing with common mental health problems lots of us experience, such as stress, anxiety or depression. One in six adults experiences depression¹, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects one in 20 people².

Symptoms of low mood or depression include losing interest in things you would usually enjoy, feeling anxious or irritable, difficulties with sleep, low energy levels, withdrawing from others, difficulty concentrating, perhaps feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness. SAD, sometimes known as the winter blues, is a type of depression and possible causes are reduced hours of sunlight, a disrupted body clock, weather and temperature changes. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please reach out for support from your local NHS Talking Therapies service.

You can refer yourself directly and go to nhs.uk/mentalhealth or speak to your GP. Treatment is available in person, by video, over the phone or as an online course. You just need to be registered with a GP. You can fill in an online form or phone your local service to book your first appointment. Fully trained and accredited practitioners will discuss with you the treatment options available. These might include working through self-help materials with guidance, practical exercises, or one-to-one sessions. You may be offered cognitive behavioural therapy which is based on understanding and making changes to the way you think and behave.

Frances, a High Intensity Therapist with North Yorkshire NHS Talking Therapies, said: “In our lives, when reality doesn’t match expectation, we begin to question why we don’t feel a certain way and may turn in on ourselves to try to find an answer. We may become more disconnected from those around us, and the ‘black dog’ of depression can set up home in our heads and hearts and steal the warmth we once had.

“We all have expectations of how Christmas ‘should be’. It is a time of happiness and love for many people, but it won’t feel this way for everyone. It can for some people be an incredibly sad and lonely time.

“North Yorkshire NHS Talking Therapies offers help and support through a range of talking therapies designed for people with symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, worry and scary thoughts. We usually start with easy-to-access activities that are short and available online or by phone and then go on to more one-to-one therapies as needed.

‘If you’re struggling with your mental health, I encourage you to take that first step and reach out for help. Once you take that first step, you’re no longer alone in your journey to recovery.”

¹ (Office of National Statistics, 2021). ²  (Healthwatch, 2023). Photo: library image.