'Twas the night before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all around the Earth; there were many who were struggling, even with the miracle of Jesus' birth. Christmas is a difficult time of year for so many people, with money trouble, loneliness or mental health problems to name a few. This year I want to help those who are struggling and encourage those who aren't to help too.

Disclaimer: I am not a professional or an expert in any of the topics spoken about in this post. I speak from personal experience and from the research that I have done myself. If you would like more information given by professionals on the topics discussed in this post please check out the links at the bottom of the page.

It's the most wonderful time of the year, lights are shining, presents are wrapped and everyone is singing. Many people associate Christmas with happiness, with joy and laughter and love but not all people feel that way; and that's okay. It's okay to be a 'Grinch' or a 'Scrooge' and not enjoy this festive season, the Lord made us all unique, that includes our likes and dislikes. The point of this post is not to force you to be happy or enjoy Christmas; the aim is to bring awareness to the fact that for many people this time of year is overwhelmingly difficult and to try to help those who are struggling. I know that isn't the kind of post most people would post on Christmas eve; but as someone who gets very overwhelmed (causing major strain on my mental health) over the Christmas period I feel it's important to help those who need it and bring awareness to others. It has taken me years to be able to cope with Christmas and I still struggle; I couldn't do it alone, every year I turn to friends, family, God and online for help.

If you are struggling or overwhelmed this Christmas please know that you are not alone, even if it may feel that way. Jesus Christ loves and cherishes you, He is by your side always. I don't know what it is you are struggling with but I do know that God is watching over you, he will never leave you nor forsake you (Deut 31:6.) Maybe you have to be around family who don't accept you, or you don't know how you are going to make ends meet. Perhaps the stress is causing strain on your mental health, or you don't have anyone to spend Christmas with. Whatever it is my prayer is that you turn to God, cast your anxiety on him and let him comfort you. I would also strongly encourage you to speak to someone, while it can be hard it is okay to ask for help. I am going to leave some sites that can help you at the bottom of this post, some hotlines and some sites for information and support. (I will try to make them as international as possible, but some of the sites may be more UK based as that is where I am from and they are the organisations and charities that I know of.)

If you know someone who is struggling I would encourage you to think of James 1:19. "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," NIV. Don't make assumptions, Listen to what they have to say before you speak; if they say something you disagree with do not get angry, that will not help anyone. DO NOT tell them to snap out of it or just be happy. This does not help and can be incredibly harmful. You also shouldn't just give them a list of verses and tell them to pray. While the Bible is a powerful book that has information and advice on many things, throwing a few verses at someone and telling them to pray is not very helpful for a majority of people. Pray for them (and if they are willing with them,) show them encouraging verses but don't let that be all that you do. As I stated at the beginning of this post I am not a professional or an expert in any of these fields. This posts point was to raise awareness. In the links below there will be more information about what I have spoken about, I highly recommend checking them out.

I know that this is a heavy topic to be thinking about at this time of year but it is a reality for so many people. I believe it is my duty to love and help others wherever I can and that's what this post is all about. It is my prayer that if you are having a tough time this Christmas that you ask for help from God and the people around you or go online and find support. I pray that everyone will help those who are in need of support, pray for them and encourage them through not only Christmas but through the new year as well.

Thank you so much for reading this post, I know it was a tough one but I feel it's so important. If you found any part of this post helpful, if you have anything to add or if I'm wrong about anything please let me know. I am always up for having a chat with you guys just shoot me a message on the contact page.

To finish this post off I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I pray that it is one that you find enjoyable regardless of how you celebrate this time of year. May God bless you all, Merry Christmas everyone!

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A few resources

http://togetherweare-strong.tumblr.com/helpline - A list of worldwide helplines listed by country.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines - Wikipedia's list of worldwide Suicide Crisis lines listed by country.

http://www.cocoonais.com/mental-health-hotlines-worldwide/ - Cocoonais list of worldwide mental health hotlines listed by continent and country

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ - Mind UK charity's information and support page

https://www.samaritans.org/media-centre/big-listen/shush-listening-tips - Samaritans tips for listening

https://youngminds.org.uk/ - Young Minds UK, Good for Information