24/12/2025
Isn't Christmas just fab 🎄 😁🎁
All the festivities, the food, the drink, the lights, the decorations, the parties, the time to come together, the presents, the cards, the spirit 🥰...
But what about those who struggle at this time of year? Or at any time of year?
What about individuals that find busy areas and crowds scary, intimidating or just too much?
What about people that find those flashing lights too bright?
What about those that have experienced trauma and find certain situations and environments terrifying?
What about neurodiverse individuals struggling with the pressure and noise? With how busy everywhere is.
What about those that don't have anyone to celebrate with, or maybe they simply don't want to celebrate, maybe they feel they have nothing to celebrate?
What about those with different beliefs?
What about individuals, families, friends, carers, that have lost someone dear to them? Or maybe they're very poorly themselves? Maybe this is their last Christmas, can you imagine what they may be feeling? Do you think they're even certain of what they feel?
What about those grieving?
What about those with no home?
What about those living with war?
With domestic abuse?
With violence?
I don't want to bring everyone down from their festivities, but maybe the next time you see someone looking stressed or anxious, or even angry, you can take a moment to acknowledge that person may be going through some stuff.
And whilst you may be happy and joyful, they may be extremely low, possibly even contemplating taking their life.
Maybe the next time you see a child, young person or vulnerable adult making noise, getting upset, shouting, screaming & causing everyone to turn around and stare, you might keep in your mind how that individual may have a good reason to be behaving like that, maybe they're neurodiverse and feel overwhelmed, maybe they have an unseen disability, and/or maybe they're experiencing grief, anxiety, stress, etc. Maybe instead of judging those individuals and their parents/guardians/carers/loved ones, you see the world through their eyes & offer empathy, if only for that moment.
Maybe when you see someone that might be struggling, you simply smile kindly. Wouldn't it be great to do that all year round & not just during festivities?
We can all moan & groan about the lack of mental health support available, the red tape, local authorities, the government, etc, but when you're there, in that very moment with that person that's struggling, maybe by not judging them, by accepting them for who they are and what they're going through, and actually actively listen to their words, you can make a difference in that moment, in someone's world.
I wish you & yours a Very Merry Christmas 🎄🎅☃️
But if it's not, please know that you don't have to go through it alone. There's local help available, as well as The Samaritans on 116 123 who also have lots of information on their website, including advice on if you're finding things hard at this time of year.
https://www.samaritans.org
Please be kind, be patient, and be mindful of others.
We're all different, we're all diverse, if we were all the same, wouldn't the world be a very boring place?
Love to you all, Jen ❤️
