November brings significant changes in natural lighting, with fewer hours of daylight - low light is linked to seasonal depression. There is also a certain amount of stress associated with the rapidly approaching Christmas season – family disputes, money worries and it can be painful for those missing loved ones.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or need advice about yourself or anyone you may be worried about you are encouraged to reach out and ask for help.
Dr Brenda Connolly, consultant clinical psychologist at NCIC, wanted to let everyone know that there is help and support available: “Sadly, stress and poor mental health are one of the biggest public health challenges that we’re facing as a nation. Unfortunately, many people still feel there is a stigma attached to talking openly about stress and mental health struggles which can lead to more issues. Please do not suffer in silence. If you are worried about someone offer them space to talk, sometimes just a cuppa and chat can make an enormous difference.”
Top tips as to how you can combat stress
- Talk about stress with friends, family and colleagues.
- Identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts – the way we think about a situation affects the way we feel
- Split large tasks up into smaller more achievable chunks
- Share your coping mechanisms – if something has worked for you why not share it. It might benefit someone you care about and in the meantime it might help you take your focus off your own challenges.
- Be nice to those who are stressed and anxious – we are all undoubtedly going to experience stress and anxiety in our lifetime so treat others going through with compassion and empathy.
- Look after yourself – we all need to think more about self-care. Take time out of your day to relax or do something that you enjoy. Don’t forget to exercise and eat well, even when you feel too stressed.