It’s known as ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ but for many it’s filled with anxiety and depression.
The festive period can intensify feelings of loneliness, increase financial worries and put pressure on people to have the “perfect” Christmas.
The National Council for Hypnotherapy says around one in seven people are suffering from stress or anxiety at any one time in the UK. At Christmas this figure rises sharply according to research by the charity Mind.
For some, the festive season brings up painful memories of dysfunctional family relationships. For others who have lost their loved ones, Christmas can be a painful trigger of memories of their deceased. These people can become depressed and lonely because of the Christmas expectations to have fun with one’s family and friends.
Overspending is common – around 41% of people surveyed by Mind in 2015 reported getting into debt – which can increase strain and stress. We tend to overindulge and drink more alcohol, which can worsen mental health symptoms, while overexerting ourselves socially – which can leave us tired and anxious.
Perhaps you’re recovering from an eating disorder and finding it difficult to find strategies to handle the urge to relapse over the holiday period. These are but a few of the reasons why some people find Christmas a source of stress or anxiety. Rebecca Field, head of communications for Beat, a UK eating disorders charity says ‘Celebrations which centre on food and group and family meals are almost inescapable during the holiday season, and can cause tremendous anxiety for these individuals.’
Talking therapies have been proven to help relieve anxieties, stress and depression and the National Council for Hypnotherapy has around 1,800 qualified therapists across the UK who can provide the right treatment.
“After sessions with a hypnotherapist you may feel more confident; more relaxed in situations that have previously challenged you,” says the NCH. “Hypnotherapy unlocks the potential you have to break free of negative thought patterns, and to react more positively and more confidently to situations in your life that may have previously made you anxious.”
Give yourself the gift of peace of mind this Christmas and talk to one of our trained hypnotherapists.
