Staying safe through the christmas and new year period
Dec 1, 2013 11:48:31 GMT
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Phate (Kai), Michaela, and 3 more like this
Post by kayleigh on Dec 1, 2013 11:48:31 GMT
STAYING SAFE THROUGH THE CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR PERIOD
The Christmas festivities are in full swing everywhere we turn ... but not everyone is feeling the festive spirit. For some people with mental health issues, this can be a particularly tough time of year. So, I thought I'd construct some useful information that may be of help.
'Medication'
From what I can gather, last bank holiday there were a few people who missed the opportunity to stock up on their medication so that they had enough to last over the holiday period. This can lead to a lot of stress and possible withdrawal symptoms, and also increases the risk of relapsing into an unstable state of mind.
Over the holidays many GP surgeries & Walk-In Centres have earlier closing times, and are even closed at times. A lot of Surgeries/Centres, especially in busy towns, will be fully booked and unable to offer you an appointment before they close for the holidays.
*Always plan ahead so that you don't run out of medication or important visits to see the GP.
*Book an appointment in advance so that you are prepared.
*Ask your doctor for enough medication to last over the holidays .
Listed below are the Bank Holiday dates for England, Wales , Scotland and Northen Ireland.
'1st DECEMBER JANUARY 2014'
'England, Wales & Northern Ireland'
Wed 25th Dec - Christmas Day
Thurs 26th Dec - Boxing Day
2014
Wed 1st Jan - New Years Day
'Scotland'
Wed 25th Dec - Christmas Day
Thurs 26th Dec - Boxing Day
2014
Wed 1st Jan - New Years Day
Source : direct.gov/bankholidays
In some cases you may also need an appointment to renew a sicknote either for work purposes or for example ESA. Below is a list of the last posting dates for the Christmas Holidays in the UK, recomended by Royal Mail:
Wed 18th Dec - 2nd class & Royal Mail signature required
Fri 20th Dec - 1st class & Royal Mail signature required
Mon 23rd Dec - Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed
BE AWARE
*Trigger*
If you need to stock up on medication to last through the holidays and dont feel safe holding onto them yourself, find a trustworthy family member or a good friend that will look after them for you and help you keep on track. Also, if you find you are having feelings/thoughts of self harming that you are unable to control, seek medical attention as soon as possible either from A&E , a crisis team (if open) or the Samaritans. You can also go to the 'Minds Like Ours' helpline page to find a number to suit your situation.
'TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE AND HAPPY'
'Avoid Alcohol'
Alcohol is a depressant and temporarily shuts off the nerve endings in the brain, stopping the electrical signals of 'happy hormones' (Serotonin) passing through .
We all know and hate the dreaded hangover feeling - sickness, fever, headache and dehydration. These symptoms can also lead to an increased feeling of depression, as the alcohol can last in the system for upto 12 hours after drinking has ceased.
To anyone suffering problems with alcohol, or worried about someone else, click the link to find out more
www.drinkaware.co.uk
'Eating Well'
Okay, so the chocolates and fizzy drinks are all on sale in the local shops and are full of temptation, but bad eating habits can affect those suffering from eating disorders and other food related disorders. Binge eating can also lead to unwanted bloating, sickness, diarrhoea and unwanted weight gain, all of which can make you feel very down in the dumps. So, by taking a few simple steps to try and avoid these symptoms, you are able to enjoy the festivities on offer.
*Firstly, the recommend daily amount we should be drinking is 8 glasses of water. However, if you are like me and hate water, then try to increase your intake by at least 50%.
*Eat a healthy snack instead of crisps - lets face it, them Brussels sprouts are much better for you than that tin of chocolates
'Be Active'
It is scientifically proven that exercise helps many mental health sufferers. Exercise releases 'happy hormones' (Serotonin) and also relieves stress. It will also help to burn those few extra calories you gain if you do overeat. Whether it's having a 6 hour long epic snowball fight or just having a good old bottom shaking boogie to the latest Christmas no.1, it all counts towards an active day.
'Relax'
Take time-out over the Christmas period to relax. Although it can be a very stressful time with money worries, shopping and preparations, and even family visits, still try to make sure you get some 'me time'.
Relax, put your feet up and watch a movie; or treat yourself to a nice hot bubble bath or a refreshing shower.
If however like me, you have a child(ren) running around under your feet and are glued to your hip, then it's hard to find time to relax. So why not get messy - make Christmas cards together or write a letter to Santa or just sit for a while and read a story together.
'Sleep'
Sleep is another important factor in giving yourself a happy state of mind. Try catching up on some well deserved sleep by having a few early nights, and parents of young children might want to try catching 40 winks when their child(ren) has a nap in the day. The house won't fall apart if the washing up or the vacuuming is delayed for a little while. Also, I may add, Santa only comes when you're sleeping
Try as hard as you can to make the festive season as happy, relaxing and safe as you can, for either yourself or a family member/friend who is suffering from a mental health problem.
Keep safe and Happy Holidays to you all.
The Christmas festivities are in full swing everywhere we turn ... but not everyone is feeling the festive spirit. For some people with mental health issues, this can be a particularly tough time of year. So, I thought I'd construct some useful information that may be of help.
'Medication'
From what I can gather, last bank holiday there were a few people who missed the opportunity to stock up on their medication so that they had enough to last over the holiday period. This can lead to a lot of stress and possible withdrawal symptoms, and also increases the risk of relapsing into an unstable state of mind.
Over the holidays many GP surgeries & Walk-In Centres have earlier closing times, and are even closed at times. A lot of Surgeries/Centres, especially in busy towns, will be fully booked and unable to offer you an appointment before they close for the holidays.
*Always plan ahead so that you don't run out of medication or important visits to see the GP.
*Book an appointment in advance so that you are prepared.
*Ask your doctor for enough medication to last over the holidays .
Listed below are the Bank Holiday dates for England, Wales , Scotland and Northen Ireland.
'1st DECEMBER JANUARY 2014'
'England, Wales & Northern Ireland'
Wed 25th Dec - Christmas Day
Thurs 26th Dec - Boxing Day
2014
Wed 1st Jan - New Years Day
'Scotland'
Wed 25th Dec - Christmas Day
Thurs 26th Dec - Boxing Day
2014
Wed 1st Jan - New Years Day
Source : direct.gov/bankholidays
In some cases you may also need an appointment to renew a sicknote either for work purposes or for example ESA. Below is a list of the last posting dates for the Christmas Holidays in the UK, recomended by Royal Mail:
Wed 18th Dec - 2nd class & Royal Mail signature required
Fri 20th Dec - 1st class & Royal Mail signature required
Mon 23rd Dec - Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed
BE AWARE
*Trigger*
If you need to stock up on medication to last through the holidays and dont feel safe holding onto them yourself, find a trustworthy family member or a good friend that will look after them for you and help you keep on track. Also, if you find you are having feelings/thoughts of self harming that you are unable to control, seek medical attention as soon as possible either from A&E , a crisis team (if open) or the Samaritans. You can also go to the 'Minds Like Ours' helpline page to find a number to suit your situation.
'TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE AND HAPPY'
'Avoid Alcohol'
Alcohol is a depressant and temporarily shuts off the nerve endings in the brain, stopping the electrical signals of 'happy hormones' (Serotonin) passing through .
We all know and hate the dreaded hangover feeling - sickness, fever, headache and dehydration. These symptoms can also lead to an increased feeling of depression, as the alcohol can last in the system for upto 12 hours after drinking has ceased.
To anyone suffering problems with alcohol, or worried about someone else, click the link to find out more
www.drinkaware.co.uk
'Eating Well'
Okay, so the chocolates and fizzy drinks are all on sale in the local shops and are full of temptation, but bad eating habits can affect those suffering from eating disorders and other food related disorders. Binge eating can also lead to unwanted bloating, sickness, diarrhoea and unwanted weight gain, all of which can make you feel very down in the dumps. So, by taking a few simple steps to try and avoid these symptoms, you are able to enjoy the festivities on offer.
*Firstly, the recommend daily amount we should be drinking is 8 glasses of water. However, if you are like me and hate water, then try to increase your intake by at least 50%.
*Eat a healthy snack instead of crisps - lets face it, them Brussels sprouts are much better for you than that tin of chocolates
'Be Active'
It is scientifically proven that exercise helps many mental health sufferers. Exercise releases 'happy hormones' (Serotonin) and also relieves stress. It will also help to burn those few extra calories you gain if you do overeat. Whether it's having a 6 hour long epic snowball fight or just having a good old bottom shaking boogie to the latest Christmas no.1, it all counts towards an active day.
'Relax'
Take time-out over the Christmas period to relax. Although it can be a very stressful time with money worries, shopping and preparations, and even family visits, still try to make sure you get some 'me time'.
Relax, put your feet up and watch a movie; or treat yourself to a nice hot bubble bath or a refreshing shower.
If however like me, you have a child(ren) running around under your feet and are glued to your hip, then it's hard to find time to relax. So why not get messy - make Christmas cards together or write a letter to Santa or just sit for a while and read a story together.
'Sleep'
Sleep is another important factor in giving yourself a happy state of mind. Try catching up on some well deserved sleep by having a few early nights, and parents of young children might want to try catching 40 winks when their child(ren) has a nap in the day. The house won't fall apart if the washing up or the vacuuming is delayed for a little while. Also, I may add, Santa only comes when you're sleeping
Try as hard as you can to make the festive season as happy, relaxing and safe as you can, for either yourself or a family member/friend who is suffering from a mental health problem.
Keep safe and Happy Holidays to you all.
