Life Saving Conversations
The Silent Struggles of the Season
A Call to Connect This Christmas
As Christmas approaches, many of us envision joyful gatherings filled with laughter, warmth, and connection. Yet, for countless others, this season amplifies feelings of loneliness, pain, and despair. It’s a time when the world’s festive cheer can feel like an unwelcome spotlight on personal struggles.
Have you ever been in a room full of laughter and chatter, yet felt crushingly alone? As if the air itself turned heavy, making it hard to breathe? We know for those battling depression, trauma, or unsafe environments, Christmas can feel more like a burden than a celebration.
Why the Holidays Can Be Difficult
For some, the season brings painful reminders:
Families that dismiss mental health as trivial or suggest “praying harder” as the solution.
Gatherings with relatives who have caused harm, triggering unspoken traumas.
Extended time in unsafe relationships, both physically and emotionally.
Understanding the Depth of Struggles
Debunking the Myths
Contrary to common belief, suicide rates in the UK do not spike during the Christmas period. Studies and data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and charities such as Samaritans indicate that December often has some of the lowest suicide rates of the year. However, the arrival of New Year’s Day tells a different story. For some, it symbolises fresh starts and renewed hope. But for others—especially those battling depression or suicidal ideation—the new year can signify another cycle of despair, an unrelenting continuation of struggles they feel powerless to escape. Instead, higher rates tend to occur in January and spring months, possibly due to increased feelings of isolation and stress after the holiday season and during darker, colder times.
sources: UK Addiction Treatment Centres GOV.UK
How to help
How to help
How to Provide Support
Don’t wait for someone to articulate their distress. If someone expresses passive thoughts, engage in empathetic, nonjudgmental dialogue to uncover their feelings.
Be Aware of Patterns, understand that while someone may seem to manage during December, the post-holiday period can bring increased risk.
Gently ask probing but nonjudgmental questions such as, “You seem different lately. Do you want to talk about anything?”
Therapists can offer coping strategies to re-frame thoughts and prevent escalation.
Ensuring the individual has no access to dangerous tools can reduce impulsivity risks.
Isolation fuels hopelessness. Maintaining meaningful connections can help ground someone in reality and hope.
Helplines and Resources
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (24/7)
SHOUT: Text "SHOUT" to 85258
Mind: 0300 123 3393
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): 0800 58 58 58
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
A Survivor’s Reflection
Our founder, a suicide survivor, wrote this poem as a reflection of her journey:
My best friend and I, we’ve been together for years,
25 in total, sharing pain and countless tears.
She’s always been there, never leaving my side,
But there were times I was ashamed of her, wished I could hide.
Her name is Depression, cruel, twisted, and cold,
A presence so isolating, leaving me with no one to hold.
She once whispered so harshly, “End it, no one will care,”
Her venomous words dared me, pushed me to despair.
But Depression underestimated the strength I could find,
The will to rise stronger, leaving her venom behind.
I wanted peace, to live, to heal my soul’s core,
So I chose to close the door on her forevermore.
Today, we’re not friends; she visits, but rarely stays,
When she tries to drag me back, I meet her with strength and grace.
I remind her that I’m no longer that fragile girl she knew,
I’ve risen stronger, built a life that is vibrant and true.
She nearly stole my life, her grasp was fierce and long,
But I reclaimed it, found my voice, and now I rise strong.
Connection is Key
Loneliness can feel heavy, overwhelming, and all-encompassing. But there is hope. Asking for help is never easy—especially when the weight of struggle makes it feel impossible to take that first step. Often, the burden of connection is unfairly left to the person who is struggling the most.
That’s where you come in. This is a heartfelt appeal to everyone reading this: let’s flip the script. Over the next three weeks, make it your mission to reach out to at least three people in your life.
Check in. Send a simple text or call to say you’re thinking of them.
Meet up. Invite someone for a cup of tea, coffee, or a casual chat.
Walk and talk. Suggest a walk where you can share stories or just enjoy each other’s presence.
The goal is not to solve problems or wait for a crisis—it’s simply to show you care. Reaching out creates a lifeline, a reminder that someone is seen and valued, even in the quiet moments. Your connection might be the spark that helps someone rediscover hope.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t face it alone. Help is available. Let’s ensure that everyone has a chance to look forward to brighter days ahead.
