Residents across the East urged to prioritise mental health over festive period
The Samaritans is receiving around 10,000 calls every day during the Christmas season
The Samaritans is urging residents across the East to prioritise their mental health over the festive period.
The charity is expecting to receive around 10,000 daily calls across the country during the Christmas season, from people asking for help.
Frequent issues that Samaritans' call-handlers in our region hear at this time of year include people comparing their Christmas experience to that of their friends - and expectations to "put on a happy face".
Isolation and loneliness are also commonplace, with many residents in the East not having family or friends to spend the festive season with.
For people who are feeling down, the charity has a range of tips. They include making time for enjoyable activities, reaching out for help, being honest with family about how you want to spend the holidays, or even trying a relaxation exercise.
'Listening is really important'
Susheel Chumber, who works for Samaritans has also issued advice for anyone wanting to help a family member who may be struggling mentally over Christmas.
"I would say listen, listening is really important. May be apply some of the techniques that Samaritans use.
"We don't try to problem solve, or advise people, or tell them what to do.
"We don't judge people and we don't try to interrupt, or fill silences - and just give people the space to share and unburden what they are going through," he told us.
The Samaritans' helpline is available 24 hours a day, throughout the festive period: 116 123.
The Hub of Hope is also available for anyone who's considering accessing local mental health support services.