DHC Talking Therapies Crisis Support for the Festive Season
Although the festive period is the season of cheer for many, it can also be a challenging time if you are struggling with your mental wellbeing. Depression and Anxiety can make it difficult to enjoy the festivities and the pressures of Christmas and New Year can be stressful and overwhelming . If you have a limited social or support network, it can be a lonely time of the year.
See below for some helpful information and contact details to support you through this festive period.
We are all individuals and respond to situations in different ways therefore not every self help suggestion will work for everyone. There are no set rules for managing emotions so a helpful way of thinking about this could be to think “is my current method working for me?” If the answer is yes, then great, but if not, these strategies may be an alternative way to help you through a difficult time.
Self-help tips for the Festive Period
• Keep active and get outside for some fresh air – even when it’s chilly
• Get enough rest and sleep to keep your energy levels up
• Don’t compare your celebrations to others ’, especially the things people post on social media… remember : they only share the best bits!
• Manage your expectations and be realistic . Having an expectation of perfection can lead to disappointment , especially with the financial difficulties that the winter months may bring
• Limit your alcohol intake . Drinking within government guidelines means you can still enjoy a festive tipple with less negative effects on physical and mental wellbeing
• Eat well and try to keep your diet balanced , but don’t punish yourself too much for having that extra mince pie , pig in blanket or chocolate!
• Plan ahead to avoid stress . Prepare what you can in advance and don’t take on too much . If buying presents online, factor in the Christmas delay that many delivery services experience at this time of year
• Keep a to-do-list of things you need to get done – everything is much clearer when it’s written down
• Prioritise self-care and give yourself a present . It may be some time to relax, doing an activity that helps you reduce stress, buying a book you’ve been meaning to read, signing up to a course you’re interested in or reconnecting with old friends
• Ask for help or delegate tasks, and talk to someone if you’re feeling overwhelmed e.g. family members, friends or mental health services
• As the year comes to an end, celebrate the small things you have been grateful for and the resilience you have developed through the year. Try setting yourself a small goal for the coming year
• Be kind to yourself and allow yourself to enjoy the celebrations and spend time with your loved ones where possible
Talking Therapies Support
DHC Talking Therapies offer free, confidential support for those experiencing mental health
difficulties such as stress, low mood, anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder,
phobias, panic attacks and post-traumatic stress.
Support is available throughout Surrey for people 17+ who are registered with a Surrey GP.
DHC Talking Therapies offers:
• Counselling and CBT approaches
▪ One-to-one or group sessions
▪ Telephone or video sessions
▪ In person appointments
▪ Silvercloud online CBT learning
Open Monday to Thursday, 8am to 8pm and Fridays 8am to 6pm
You can contact DHC Talking Therapies on 01483 906 392 and can self-refer for support via
the website at www.dhctalkingtherapies.co.uk .
DHC Talking Therapies is one of four providers in Surrey. For further information on other
local Talking Therapies services, including how to refer, please visit the Healthy Surrey
Website: www.healthysurrey.org.uk/mental-wellbeing/local-services/talking-therapies
Published on 8 December 2025