England's anti-stigma programme, Time to Change, is urging people to look out for friends and loved ones experiencing a mental health problem this Christmas.
The festive period is a time of joy and celebration for many, but for others it may be a time of sadness or worry caused by the loss of a loved one, loneliness, debt and money anxieties or mental illness. A little help and support from friends and family can make all the difference and help to make Christmas become a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
David Edwards, 57, experiences bi-polar disorder and depression. He is currently claiming incapacity benefit and lives in Frome, Somerset. He explains: “I feel as though there is huge expectation for me to feel happy and sociable throughout the Christmas period, with the exception of those who understand and with whom I feel safe, whatever my mood might be on the day. I sometimes feel as though I need to put on an act in order to fit in, when really I feel quite unhappy and under a lot of stress."
Sarah Sharp, 25, a volunteer from Sevenoaks, Kent, adds: “I became unwell as a teenager and I was admitted to hospital one Christmas with depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. I think the time of year was a big factor in my breakdown, I felt extremely guilty for being ill and I also felt a lot of pressure in that I didn't have enough money to buy presents.
“I am currently recovering from a second bout of depression and although I have found Christmas hard in the past, it is now my favourite time of year. I have supportive friends and family who understand that if I need a cry then I can go and have one. I think it is important not to pressure loved ones to hide their true feelings, Christmas is just another day and with the support of loved ones people having a difficult time can find things easier to deal with."
Sue Baker, Director of Time to Change, said: "One in four people will be affected by mental illness at some time in their lives, and the festive period is no exception. In fact, for some, their difficulties may be heightened at this time of year and stress,worry and financial pressures can all have a greater impact during the holiday season.
"People with a mental health problem often say that Christmas is a more stressful and lonely time of year because of the pressure to be upbeat and to have the perfect day. We also hear that family and friends don't want to openly talk about feelings over the festive period and this can be hurtful for people because they feel discriminated against.
“We are all able to make things a little easier by just being there to listen and talk and stay in touch with family and friends who may feel vulnerable over the festive period."
Time to Change is England's most ambitious programme to end the discrimination faced by people with mental health problems, and improve the nation's wellbeing. The leading mental health charities Mind and Rethink are running the programme, funded with £16m from the Big Lottery Fund and £4.5m from Comic Relief, and evaluated by the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College, London.
For help and support over the festive period you can call the following numbers:
Mind 0845 7660163
Rethink 0845 456 0455
Samaritans 08457 90 90 90
Ends
Notes to Editors:
For interview requests for David or Sarah or other regional case studies please contact Jenny Tudor in the Time to Change Press Office on 0208 2152 358/ 07789 721 966 or [email protected]
1. Time to Change is England's most ambitious programme to end the discrimination faced by people with mental health problems, and improve the nation's wellbeing. The leading mental health charities Mind and Rethink are running the programme, funded with £16m from the Big Lottery Fund and £4.5m from Comic Relief, and evaluated by the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College, London.
2. The Big Lottery Fund's support for Time to Change comes from its £165m Well-being programme, which provides funding to support the development of healthier lifestyles and to improve well-being. The Big Lottery Fund has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK since its inception in June 2004. It was established by Parliament on 1 December 2006. Full details of the Big Lottery Fund, its programmes and awards are available on the website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
3. Comic Relief is committed to supporting people living with mental health problems. The projects Comic Relief funds ensure people with mental health problems get their voices heard in the decisions that affect their lives and to get the help they need to recover. Comic Relief also helps people to promote their rights and reduce the stigma and discrimination they face so that they feel more included in society. The £4 million grant to Time to Change is part of Comic Relief's long standing commitment to this issue. For more information go to www.comicrelief.com