We’re offering free initial consultations around the festivities as national research shows one in five UK adults are stressed or anxious about the future.
A recent study carried out by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) has revealed only 15% of the population feel excited about the festive season.
Anxiety and stress
Wendy Lee, our Head of Health and Wellbeing at the not-for-profit organisation on Dukes Road, explains: “The BACP research will be a real eye-opener for many people, but for us and our counsellors, many of whom are BACP members, the anxiety and stress people experience at this time of year is commonplace.
“So, we’re offering people a confidential, friendly and informal initial consultation with one of our team to see how we can help them. These initial complimentary chats will be available into 2022 too for anyone who might need help.
Mental health & wellbeing
“This year once again, people are also concerned about Covid too and this has understandably added a whole new level of worry for many. All the uncertainty is definitely impacting on people’s mental health and wellbeing.
“In fact, the study found a fifth of adults felt stressed or worried about the festivities. Top of the worries, for 37% of those surveyed, was not being able to afford presents, followed by 23% citing the pressure to ensure everyone enjoys themselves made them anxious.
“Some people may have faced the recent festive events without a loved one as a result of bereavement. Often people have money pressures or may have issues related to an addiction, such as gambling, gaming or alcohol abuse, or an eating disorder, that are exacerbated at this time of year.
“There may be family difficulties, rifts that no one mentions, which may have been avoided last year, if people were unable to get together due to Covid. Now, however, these feelings may have to be faced again and perhaps 12 months off has even increased the associated anxiety.
Affordable, professional help
“A lot of people try to deal with things on their own, however this isn’t the answer. No one needs to live with anxiety, stress and depression. Affordable, professional help is available.
“Our counsellors can help you to reframe things, look at them differently and can help you with understanding and coping with your feelings. Sometimes you do need the help of someone else to do that. We advise not waiting until things spiral out of control, but to get help as soon as possible.”
Wellness Recovery Action Planning
We deliver workshops and courses including those we run with the charity tastelife for anyone whose relationship with food has changed in a negative way.
We also host Wellness Recovery Action Planning workshops (WRAP), which are for anyone looking to be able to get and maintain good wellbeing in 2022 and we can help people ease back into physical fitness sessions to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
We also deliver one-to-one help on a number of life issues including anxiety, stress management, bereavement, trauma, relaxation, eating disorders and educational awareness groups on a range of topics including addictions, such as gambling, drinking, and gaming.
Please get in touch for a free chat
For a free, confidential, friendly and informal initial chat, please email the team via support@optionswellbeing.co.uk or call us on 023 8063 0219.
