Christmas is a tough time for many and a local psychologist says there are some ways of managing the stress and difficulties of the silly season. 

While many view and experience a wonderful Christmas, there are many who also find the time stressful, overwhelming, or difficult to manage.

Cromwell Clinical Psychologist Rebecca Scheibmair says holidays can be stressful as we don't have the normal distractions and demands of work or routine to keep worries and difficult feelings away. 

“It can also be a time that reminds us of loss especially when there are important people no longer with us. 

“It can also be difficult as we spend more time with people we don't normally and this can require some compromise!

“And while we all love a break from routine, we also can find change and uncertainty difficult.

“This can mean feeling overwhelmed by emotions you didn't even know were there under the surface, being a little more snappy, or noticing more tiredness.”

Rebecca recommends for people to find their own time and space to relax and take a break.

“Slow down, be in the moment, and think about what is most important,” she says. 

“It might not be that everything goes as planned, but it might be that what is important is that everyone has fun or feels part of something. 

“Be flexible while trying to have some sense of consistency/routine.  This might just mean there is one consistent thing you do each day like reading for half an hour in the morning. 

“Make space for what you love and try to let go of expectations of how things are supposed to be or how you should feel. It is what it is. :) 

“It can be hard to seek support during the holiday period as some services have a period of shut down, but these are always available:”

Text - 1737 

Lifeline - 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).

Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).

What's Up -0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available every day of the week, 365 days of the year, 11am–11pm. 

Support for young people with anxiety or depression - www.thelowdown.co.nz or text 5626 

The National Depression Initiative - Freephone helpline 0800 111 757 or www.depression.org.nz

Free online mental health support resourced - www.clearhead.org.nz 

Free online CBT course to help learn how to cope with worry and stress - www.justathought.co.nz