Charity shares tips for coping with Christmas

A mental health charity has encouraged islanders to prioritise their wellbeing during the festive period.

Guernsey Mind has shared ways to help cope with the challenges Christmas and New Year can bring and experience a "calmer, happier" time.

The charity's spokesperson said financial pressures, family conflict, loneliness and unrealistic expectations were some of the difficulties people faced.

To combat them, the spokesperson suggested spending time with loved ones, focussing on factors which can be controlled and letting others know if they were struggling.

The spokesperson also recommended people take breaks if stress levels had risen and to avoid overindulgence.

Routine and structure in the days was important, they added, as was saying no to unwanted invitations.

Finally, the spokesperson suggested sharing thoughts with a trusted friend or family member as it could help to make situations more manageable.

"If talking feels hard, try writing down your thoughts and feelings," they added.

In the event a person wanted to talk to someone else over Christmas, they said the Samaritans were available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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