Keith Walker, from Choose Life, explained that for some, without close family and friends, it’s a time of loneliness, a time when everything around is a reminder of that loneliness.
He said: “Stress and emotional distress can be as much a part of Christmas as turkey and mince pies for some people, but there are some things that can make them easier to bear.
“Avoid over-indulging and leave some time for relaxation. Find some time for a little light exercise too – maybe a gentle walk. If you can, try to be with other people and if you know someone who will be alone this Christmas, try to find some time for them too.
“With the extra stresses that Christmas can bring, it’s more important than ever to remember that talking to someone can help relieve the distress and prevent feelings of despair and suicidal feelings.”
Although many services will close down for Christmas and New Year, support is still available throughout the holiday period if you’re feeling distressed. If you’re finding it hard to talk to someone you know, phone or email one the helplines below:
Breathing Space (0800 83 85 87) is a free, confidential service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety, available weekday evenings and 24 hours at weekends
Samaritans (08457 90 90 90 or jo@samaritans.org) Samaritans is a confidential emotional support service for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide, available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Childline (0800 1111) is a counselling service for children and young people, available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Guided self-help therapy for people suffering from low mood, anxiety and mild to moderate depression is available from NHS24 Living Life (0800 328 9655), available Mon to Fri, 1pm to 9pm but closed for bank holidays.
