You’re Not Alone This Winter

For many people, including myself, Christmas and the winter months can be a difficult time. There's shorter days, colder weather, financial pressure, family expectations, grief, loneliness, and or changes in routine; all of which can affect how we feel. And then potentially impact our thought process and behaviours.

While there is often a lot of focus on celebration and togetherness, it’s important to remember that struggling at this time of year is common, and help is available.

If you’re finding things hard, or supporting someone else, hopefully this post will highlight some of the different support available to you/ someone you know.

I'm based in Hampshire (UK), so I'll include some local as well as national support options.

Importantly, if you or someone else feels unsafe or in immediate danger:

• Call 999 in an emergency

• Contact NHS 111 for urgent mental health help

• Hampshire Mental Health Crisis Line (24/7): 0300 123 6661This line is available to people of all ages in Hampshire and connects you to trained mental health professionals.

Local Mind's in Hampshire

• Andover Mind, HEH Mind and Solent Mind

  • Local charities offering wellbeing support, groups, and resources for people across Hampshire

  • Helpful for managing anxiety, low mood, stress, and isolation

  • Offering both in-person and online support options

    
    

Support for Children and Young People

• CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)

  • Supporting more complex mental health needs via the NHS

    
    

• Kooth

  • A free, confidential online service for young people, offering:

  • One-to-one chat with counsellors

  • Moderated forums

  • Self-help tools and activities

    
    

UK Wide and Online Support

• Samaritans – Call 116 123

  • Free, 24/7 listening service

  • You don’t need to be in crisis to call

  • Available by phone, email, and online chat

    
    

• Shout – Text 85258

  • Free, confidential text support, 24/7

  • Useful if talking on the phone feels difficult

    
    

• NHS Mental Health Services

  • Visit the NHS website to find local and online mental health support

  • NHS 111 can also direct you to urgent mental health help

• Scottish Action for Mental Health

  • Mental health social care support, addictions and employment services, among others.

  • Policy and campaign work to influence positive social change

Looking After Yourself Over Winter

Alongside professional support, small steps can sometimes help ease the weight of winter. These are the usuall small and simple things we can do, and may do throughout the rest of the year, but may find harder to keep up during winter. Examples could include:

• Keeping a gentle routine where possible

• Staying connected with our safe/ trusted people, even short messages count

• Spending time outside during daylight hours

• Being kind to ourselves about energy levels and expectations

We don’t have to 'fix' everything at once. Taking things one step at a time is enough.

A Final Reminder

Struggling during Christmas or Winter does not mean we are weak or failing. It means we are human. Support is available locally in Hampshire and online. You are allowed to ask for help, even if you’re not sure what you need yet.

I hope this post helps to start conversations, to inform supporting yourself or a friend. This is by no means a full extensive list of support or services, its a starting point. Talk with trusted people, listen, be kind both to yourself and to the person listening or sharing.

You have value, you are loved, you are worthy.

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Blogger's note: This post does not include sponsored content. None of the services, projects, campaigns or charities mentioned have seen this post before it is published, nor have they instructed me on what to say. The views, experiences, thoughts and insights expressed in this post are my own. The links included are direct web links and are not affiliate links.