Loneliness during the festive season 2023

Whether you’re managing the pressure of living up to certain expectations, dealing with family dynamics, or facing difficult memories, lots of us struggle at this time of year and can feel more lonely than usual.

The charity Rethink Mental Illness surveyed over a thousand people and found that 77% of people said they feel lonely and isolated even when they are surrounded by loved ones during Christmas, and 84% of people said they feel that their mental health gets worse during this time of year.

To help you cope during the festive season, our mental health practitioners have come up with the following tips:

Be kind to yourself

Christmas doesn’t last forever. Just think about what is best for your wellbeing during this time and set boundaries for yourself. You may want to say no to social events, stay home and watch films, or not celebrate at all and that’s okay.

Go at your own pace and do what’s right for you

You can’t please everyone, so try not to over commit to anything. Although Christmas can be all about giving, be sure to make time for yourself and indulge in some self-care activities too, even if that means switching off.

Focus on your situation, not what you see online

It can be hard not to compare yourself when you see depictions of Christmas as the ‘happiest time of year’ on social media and TV. Judging your own experiences against someone else’s can only amplify loneliness and give you a sense of ‘missing out’.

Get out and do things you enjoy

Christmas doesn’t have to be about family and friends, you can make it about what you want to do. Whether it is engaging in a hobby, learning a new craft, exercising or even volunteering – it can open doors to starting a conversation with someone or meeting new people, if you are open to it.

Connect with others and seek help when needed

Christmas can be a lonely time, especially for those struggling with their mental health, but connecting with others in person or digitally is a great way to keep company during this time. Most importantly, if you need someone to talk to, we’re here to help. Don’t ignore your feelings.

There are some services that can help. 

NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies

Our service is available to support everyone in Berkshire aged 17+ who may be struggling with feeling low, anxious or stressed. 

You don’t need a GP referral to access support, you can self-refer online or by calling our friendly and approachable admin team. 

Use the online form to self-refer yourself (new browser tab)

Wellbeing Service (East Berkshire)

Get practical support for issues such as loneliness and social isolation. We provide friendly support to help you improve your daily life and wellbeing. One of our support workers can discuss your priorities and offer supported signposting in your local area.

Find out more about the Wellbeing service

Let’s Connect Community Wellbeing Network (West Berkshire)

Let’s Connect is a social network to support your wellbeing and help you connect with other people, organisations, and services. We have regular meetings in Newbury, Reading and Wokingham for you to build up connections. No need to book, just come along.

We have events this December, and in January 2024 we will continue to meet every two weeks in Newbury and Wokingham, and every week in Reading.

Visit our Eventbrite page to book your place (new browser tab)

The Little Blue Book of Sunshine

This book contains mental health and wellbeing advice for children and young people across Berkshire. If you are feeling lonely, stressed or anxious it shares a lot of tips and things you can do right now and where to get help when you need it.

Read 'The Little Book of Sunshine' on Google Play Books (new browser tab)