“BE honest with people, check in with them” is the advice from one of the North East’s leading mental health charities for anyone struggling after Christmas.

While for many, the festive period marks an opportunity for fun and the chance to catch up with family and loved ones, it’s also a time which can push many to breaking point.

Add to this mix the coronavirus pandemic which could force many to cancel plans or force them into self-isolation.

And after the big day itself has passed, looking ahead to the new year and the possibility of another long, dark winter can pile even more pressure on.

“There’s a feeling that everyone comes together at Christmas, but not everyone has people to come together with and it can be the most difficult time of year for those people,” said Matthew Smith, co-founder of the If U Care Share Foundation.

“It’s not always the most wonderful time of the year for everyone and we also see it post-Christmas.

“Quite often what people do in the run up to Christmas is there’s so much going on and excitement and parties that people spend money they don’t have.

“Then New Year comes around and it’s a time to reflect, but when you’re looking forward to summer it can feel a long way away.”

Loss and bereavement is often a key factor for those struggling with their mental health over the festive period, a time when loved ones traditionally make a special effort to be together.

The “missing seat at the table” is an aspect which has affected Matthew, who helped set up the charity after losing his older brother Dan to suicide.

But there are plenty of other factors which can cause strain.

The “fear of not being able to provide” can fray nerves long after the last present has been unwrapped, especially with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on jobs and workplaces.

And even seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sometimes known as “winter depression”, which has been linked to a lack of sunlight during the darker months, has been linked to low mood, lethargy and even feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness.

Depression and anxiety has also been listed by the NHS as a possible symptom of long Covid.

But while any mental health issues will likely have a range of causes, for Matthew, the first steps to tackling them are relatively simple, both for the person dealing with them and for anyone concerned about them.

He said: “Be honest with people, check in with them, quite often we can dance around a subject and it can be a difficult conversation.

“We would rather have a difficult hour than the aftermath of not asking that question, just being there for someone is important and often you don’t even need to say anything.

“Often we [If U Care Share] are the first people who have listened to what a person is going through.

“We can’t fix everything, but for that individual it’s thinking about who else might be able to help.”

 

Don’t suffer in silence – mental health resources:

The NHS – 999 and 111 services are available for emergency and urgent mental health matters, while the website also has details of care on offer

If U Care Share – The charity has a range of resources on its website, including a 24/7 confidential Crisis Messenger for anyone struggling

Hub of Hope – A searchable online resource which provides suggested services for a range of mental health and addiction issues based on location

The Samaritans – The long-running charity offers 24/7 support by phone, email or its Self-help app