Hello, my name is Amelia Shipton. I am Head of Client Relationships here at studenteer. I am also an Actor and Mindset Coach.
As we count down the days to Christmas, it is important to remind ourselves that Christmas can be a joyous and exciting time for some. For others, it might be a time of loneliness and isolation even in a room full of people.
When we are in times of struggle, it’s important to be kind to ourselves.
I urge everyone to practise something called ‘self-compassion’, which I believe we should all be doing regularly throughout our lives, particularly if we are going through a difficult time.
What is self-compassion?
Self-compassion entails treating yourself as you would a friend who is going through a difficult time. Whether that friend is feeling inadequate or simply confronting a difficult life problem.
When a friend is upset, our initial instinct is to want to help, console, and encourage them.
So why is it when we are struggling ourselves that we can find we aren’t looking after or being very kind to oneself?
Slow down, reflect and breathe.
Try not to be consumed by your inner chatter.
Take 5 minutes out of your day to focus on yourself. What is it that you need right now? It’s essential to prioritise some time for you!
Boundaries
Boundaries are so important, especially if you find Christmas is a challenging time.
If you have a busy Christmas day planned and feel overwhelmed, perhaps you could ask whoever you will be celebrating with for a schedule so you can prepare yourself for the day ahead. It is okay to say no to conversations or activities you do not feel comfortable doing.
There can sometimes be pressure to create the ‘perfect’ Christmas. It’s important to bring yourself back into the present and find some ‘you’ time to develop overall positive well-being.
There are many charities that support your mental health and well-being, which I have attached below.
Take care and Merry Christmas,
Amelia x
Shout
85258 (text SHOUT)
Confidential 24/7 text service offering support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.
Beat
0808 801 0677 (adult helpline)
0808 801 0711 (youthline)
0808 801 0811 (studentline)
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Offers information and advice on eating disorders, and runs a supportive online community.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
0800 58 58 58
Provides listening services, information and support for anyone who needs to talk, including a web chat.
Combat Stress
0800 1381 619
Treatment and support for armed forces veterans who have mental health problems.
The Compassionate Friends
0345 123 2304
Provides support to bereaved families after the death of a child.
Cruse Bereavement Care
0808 808 1677
Information and support after a bereavement.
Samaritans
116 123 (freephone)
jo@samaritans.org
Chris, Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK
PO Box 90 90
Stirling FK8 2SA
Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk.
Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
