2gether NHS Foundation Trust, which provides mental health and learning disabilities in Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, is encouraging people to safeguard their mental health and wellbeing this festive season.

Jan Bagnall, Clinical Lead for the Let’s Talk service, said: “The festive season can be a particularly challenging time for our stress levels, and the pressure to be seen to be having a good time can feel overwhelming for some.

“Also, some people can find it a lonely and potentially sad time - particularly if they are far away from people they miss or their loved ones are no longer alive.”

Let’s Talk’s 12 top tips are:

• Be realistic about what can be achieved and afforded. Don’t aim for perfection – you are more likely to be disappointed.

• Plan in advance. Making lists prevents you forgetting something (or someone) and makes it easier to stick to a budget.

• Share the work out and don’t take on every responsibility. Ask someone else to help you out – people are often grateful to be asked.

• Make sure you get plenty of fresh air and exercise. Both are scientifically proven to improve mental health and wellbeing.

• Don’t drink to excess. Alcohol is a depressant and drinking excessive amounts can cause low mood, irritability or potentially aggressive behaviour.

• Maintaining a healthy diet and weight can improve your mood and can work towards preventing symptoms of lethargy and irritability that many of us feel during the busy festive season and dark winter months.

• Try not to spend too much money. Gifts are not the most important part of Christmas and you may be storing up problems for the future if you get yourself into debt.

• Help other people. Helping and giving to others will benefit the recipient of the help as well as yourself.

• Take a break. If the family is getting too much, take some time out. A spot of meditation or a walk in fresh air will help. Try not to let tensions mount.

• Be sure to check up on family and friends, particularly the elderly and vulnerable. Loneliness can be a particular issue over Christmas.

• Get enough sleep. A good sleep pattern can help you maintain good mental health, make you feel more alert and able to cope better with stress.

• Try to spend some time relaxing. Remember to rest, spend some time just ‘being’ and take a break from ‘doing.’

You can contact Let’s Talk on 0800 073 2200, or visit www.talk2gether.nhs.uk. If you have serious concerns about your mental health, speak to your GP.

The Samaritans are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via 116 123.