Sarah Pearce Counselling

24/12/2025

It's ok if you're not feeling very merry this Christmas, you don't need to force a smile 💙

23/12/2025

If the festive season feels heavier than expected, please know help is available day and night. There are many specialist and tailored support services available, but these are a few trusted ones that are helpful to remember and easy to access if you or someone you know needs immediate support. You’re not alone.

22/12/2025

21/12/2025

20/12/2025

As the festive season gets busier and emotions run higher, this is your gentle reminder to pause before saying yes, pushing through exhaustion, or carrying more than is yours. You’re allowed to have needs, boundaries, and rest, even (and especially) at this time of year.

Lovely image by .health.with.emma

20/12/2025

Share this with anyone who needs it or save it for yourself 💜

For information about coping with grief at Christmas, head to our website ⬇️
https://ow.ly/5egz50XIrSj

18/12/2025

If you are attending a social event over the festive period and already feeling nervous or hesitant, know that your presence alone is meaningful. You don’t need to perform or speak constantly to be valued. Being there, in your own way, is already a form of courage and connection and it matters more than you might realise.

18/12/2025

When social anxiety is present, avoidance often makes a lot of sense. Staying away from situations that feel exposing can be a way of protecting yourself from discomfort or fear of judgment. At the same time, avoidance can sometimes shrink your world over time, quietly reinforcing the belief that you can’t cope.

It can help to gently and intentionally “push through” in small, manageable ways, like choosing shorter interactions, staying just a little longer than feels comfortable, or turning your attention outward. Focusing on the environment around you by noticing sights, sounds, or doing small tasks, can give your mind something concrete to do and help ease the intensity of the bodily sensations that anxiety brings.

18/12/2025

Have you ever experienced a sense of dread when the Christmas and New Year invitations start to roll in, even though part of you wishes you could enjoy them?

Social anxiety can intensify during the festive season, showing up as racing thoughts, a tight chest, nausea, blushing, feeling hyper-aware of what others might think, or replaying conversations long after they’ve ended. You might feel pressure to stay longer than feels comfortable, to appear cheerful, or to explain yourself when you’d rather not.

Planning ahead by setting boundaries, choosing how long you’ll stay, identifying a safe person, and giving yourself permission to step outside or leave early can help reduce some of this pressure. It's okay to attend in ways that feel manageable, or not at all. Your needs matter.

15/12/2025

Christmas shopping can feel joyful at first, but it often comes with hidden stress. Crowded shops, the pressure to find the “perfect” gift, or endless scrolling through online stores can leave you feeling tense, rushed, or even exhausted. You might notice irritability creeping in while juggling lists, trying to stick to a budget, or navigating busy high streets.

Taking small breaks, like pausing for a cup of tea, listening to your favourite festive music, or stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, can help you pace yourself and experience the season a little more gently. And it’s completely okay if the Christmas period doesn’t feel joyful for you. Everyone experiences it differently, and looking after yourself is what matters most.

13/12/2025

Some people choose not to drink alcohol, and no matter the reason, their choice deserves respect 🫶

Don't pressure others into drinking or question their decision this festive season.

Be kind and respect boundaries ❤️