I love Christmas but there’s no doubt that it can be stressful.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the hype of present buying and being happy and everything being picture perfect that it actually ends up being anything but. Christmas is a time of year centered around the idea of making other people happy, and unfortunately we can often do this at the expense of our own happiness.  Wonderful as it is, there’s no denying that it can be expensive, time consuming, and complicated with trying to juggle friends and family.

One part of the festive season that can be incredibly difficult is the immense pressure to have a good time. But the thing about mental illness is, you can’t just switch it off and on. You can’t stop being depressed or anxious or whatever just because it’s December. With that in mind, here are my Ten Commandments for taking care of your mental health this Christmas.

1. Don’t put yourself under too much pressure
2. Take time out for yourself
3. Talk to people – let them know how you’re doing
4. Don’t neglect self care
5. Say no if you need to
6. Don’t get yourself into debt
7. Look after your body as well as your mind
8. Allow yourself to relax – you deserve it!
9. Let people help you
10. Remember it’s only a day

These tips are straightforward and seem obvious but are so easy to forget once you’re caught up in the swing of things.

I hope they will help you to remember to look after yourself and have the best Christmas that you can.

Pint it: