20 Jan Supporting Mental Health At Christmas

Posted at 12:41h in Blog by

Supporting Mental Health at Christmas

The festive season is often associated with joy and celebration, but for many, it can be a particularly challenging time. At The Hormone Clinic, we recognise that mental health struggles are common, yet frequently remain unspoken—especially when compounded by the intricate relationship between hormonal imbalance and emotional wellbeing. These challenges can feel even more pronounced during high-stress periods like Christmas, where external pressures and expectations run high.

Hormones and Mental Health

Hormones such as cortisol, oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone play a vital role in regulating mood and emotional health. Fluctuations in these hormones, whether due to menopause, perimenopause, PMDD or other hormonal imbalances, can significantly impact mental health. Symptoms like heightened anxiety, mood swings, or low energy levels can feel particularly overwhelming during the festive period, where societal pressures to “feel happy” are amplified.

For those already managing mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, hormonal shifts may exacerbate symptoms. Stress from social gatherings, financial strain, or even the emotional weight of personal expectations during Christmas can further disrupt hormonal balance, creating a challenging cycle.

Common challenges during Christmas 

  • Increased stress levels: Busy schedules, deadlines and pressures to stick to social commitments, can increase one’s levels of stress and elevate cortisol levels worsening irritability and/or anxiety. 

 

  • Disrupted routines: Changes in diet, sleep patterns and exercise due to the busy festive season, can affect both physical and mental wellbeing. For example, poor sleep can worsen hormonal imbalances and reduce the ability to regulate mood. 

 

  • Loneliness and isolation: Mental Health UK, found that 74% of people in their survey experience loneliness and isolation even when surrounded by people during the festive season. This can be especially difficult for those going through hormonal changes, where feelings of isolation are compounded by physical symptoms.

Practical tips throughout the season

  1. Reflect on what may be causing your stress or discomfort. Awareness is the first step toward managing these feelings.
  2. Schedule time for activities that nurture your well-being, such as meditation, gentle exercise, or a favorite hobby.
  3. Set Boundaries. It’s okay to say no to events or traditions that feel overwhelming. 
  4. Maintain your routine: While it’s tempting to indulge, try to keep regular meal times, stay hydrated, and prioritise sleep to help regulate hormones.
  5. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to loved ones or a mental health professional if you’re struggling.

At The Hormone Clinic, we specialise in identifying and treating the root causes of hormone-related mental health challenges. Our psychiatry-led approach ensures that emotional and physical symptoms are addressed together.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed this Christmas, know that you’re not alone, and help is available. 

Contact The Hormone Clinic Contact us at The Hormone Clinic or Book an Appointment  to learn how we can support your journey to better hormonal and emotional health.