Is Christmas the Worst Time of Year For You?

For months now the shops have been full of Christmas stuff. Shelves full to the brim with cards, decorations, presents. Every other advert on the TV is brainwashing us to believe that their pre-Christmas offers are the best ever, and what a fool you would be to miss them. Christmas isnt just in December anymore, but starts in September. For most of us Christmas means family time, a break, time to relax, hard work, and we moan and groan about long-lost relatives coming to stay, but deep down we love the time. For some us however, the sight of the first advent calendar in the supermarket, can spell the beginning of a depression that can last well into the New Year. All over the Christmas period telephone numbers scroll across our screen advertising help line numbers for people affected by the time of year, and who may need counselling. This should serve as a sobering reminder when we are full of Christmas dinner that not everyone is feeling festive. For some this is the worse time of the year for many reasons. There are more domestic arguments this time of year, usually about where the family will eat Christmas dinner, or whose parents house are we staying at this year! Some people do not have the luxury of a choice like that - they have no family, or are on the streets. The stress of Christmas causes a rise in incidents of domestic violence. Alcohol, usually a trigger is widely available at home, and what else is Christmas for, but to drink? The long holidays stretch endlessly in front of someone praying that they will get to the end of them in one piece. Some people have suffered a loss at Christmas. Every Christmas time is a constant reminder of a loved one, and feelings of loneliness and isolation are suffocating. In this age of rising divorce rates, this is the worse time for parents facing Christmas apart from their children. Knowing that the majority of families will be together, it is very difficult for someone to know that they will not be with their families during the festive season. There is always an increase in people seeking counselling at this time of year. Sometimes they just need a little bit of help getting through the holiday. Counselling is "talk therapy", and it works. I am a qualified counsellor, and I have an increase in my list of clients, starting at the end of October. Dont be alone, talk to someone who cares. For more details visit www.andreagreenhalghcounselling.co.uk