It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, or Is It...?

*Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, however, I will share observations, thoughts and opinions from students view as I'm a training allied health professional.*

Christmas is one of the most fabulous times of the year, it's a time for joy, faith, magic, remembering fun childhood memories, and to be surrounded by families and loved ones.

However, unfortuantely, that is not the case for everyone.

The festive season with all the joys of the Christmas markets, mulled wine with friends, and spending time with families (whether you want to or not...) can leave some individuals with feelings of loneliness, sadness, frustration, and even trigger depression. As the festive season heightens, the urge to buy the "perfect" present, or to have everything organised or to manage under all the usual pressures of life can feel too much for any one person.

As a student in my final year of studying, I've found myself dreading Christmas this year with all the deadlines looming. As someone who usually loves the build-up to Christmas including the festivities, the chance to catch up with friends and family alike and the chance to eat my body weight in chocolate and cheese (and wine!), I'm dreading Christmas this year. Due to the first time in years, Christmas to me means stress, it means working extra shifts at my part-time job (as a bartender), probably getting upset and stressed at work while being unsure how I will manage my studying on top of it. Wondering how many allnighters fuelled with red-bull and coffee, it will take before I will finally be able to relax.

However, with all my stress and anxiety surrounding the festive season I've found a shred of knowledge knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for me. That all this anxiety and stress will evidently end. For the people struggling with mental health issues or with the genuine pressures of the festive season, they may not have a deadline. They may not have a light at the end of the tunnel. Recently, I listened to the song "Leave the Light On" by Tom Walker, which to me highlights the need and further understanding of mental health in the 21st century.

I guess I just wanted to pass on the message that it is okay to not be okay. That all of us are fighting our own battles that no one else knows about, so if you feel over the festive period you need someone to talk to. Someone not to judge or just to rant to that Samaritans are a wonderful charity available 24 hours a day on the numbers listed below:

• 116 123 (UK)
• 116 123 (ROI)

My stresses will end and I no doubt will come into contact with more stresses prior to and after graduation. But don't struggle along. Talk and share your problems, they may seem minor but it's better to discuss the little things before they become big things.

I hope everyone has a merry festive season and manages to enjoy a little bit of the magic of Christmas