This Time of Year is Not Easy For Everyone

This time of year isn't easy for everyone, as we approach the holidays, I know many of us myself included are juggling work demands, family responsibilities and the pressure to feel festive, when the reality is we’re often exhausted and burnout.

This is exactly why I trained as a Mental Health First Aider to support those around me, for years I’ve witnessed how December and the ‘festive’ season can amplify the challenges people face:

Those managing ‘sandwich care’ supporting elderly parents while raising young children.

Those dealing with grief and loss, I know myself I miss so many that meant so much to me, especially those we lost at this time of year.

Those dealing with chronic illness or are carers for those suffering from it.

People spending the season alone, feeling the weight of isolation, maybe those who has immigrated to create a better live for themselves, who can’t make it back for a myriad of reasons.

People worrying on how they will pay the bills and survive for the next few months.

Colleagues that are pushing through burnout to meet end of year targets.
Team members quietly struggling with their mental health while trying to appear ‘fine or ok’

We need to acknowledge that the festive period isn't always joyful and bright.

So, I need your help, I'm fortunate to have many friends and family across my global networks. If someone in your country or region was going through hardship, whether mental health struggles, loneliness or family challenges, what organisations or helplines would you recommend?

Please help me out and share resources in the comments below. Let's build a thread that could genuinely help someone who needs it and use the hashtag. #SimsGlobalSupport

And please don’t forget just asking someone ‘how are you really doing?’ can make the difference to someone facing hardship of any kind and knowing where to signpost someone for professional support can be life changing and lifesaving.