Taking care of yourself during the holiday season

For separating families, the Christmas holidays can be a difficult time.

There may be obstacles to navigate – attending school nativities and concerts (together or separately), scheduling visits to extended family within the children's time with each parent, deciding who buys what presents, and the list goes on.  And for couples without children, the first Christmas and New Year after a separation can be tough; it's time of uncertainty, and having a break from routine can make it harder to manage that uncertainty about what the future holds.  

As with many of life's challenges, planning can be the best way to mitigate impact. Thinking about where you can turn for support, before you need to, is key. Knowing which friends and family members can be called upon over the holidays can help. If you are receiving professional support then it is good to know when they are available, and who to contact if they are not. Being proactive and making an appointment to speak to your GP before the inevitable Christmas and New Year closures may also provide valuable support. There are also various organisations offering help and care, including these ones:

Only Mums

Only Dads

Family Lives

Mind

National Domestic Abuse helpline

Respect