Yep, I’m dreaming of a nice, light Christmas. If you know me, you’ll know I definitely don’t mean light on food; Christmas is the season for special yummy treats and home cooked delights.

My Christmas wish is for a depression-light, manic-light wonderland of family fun and laughs. If you have a mental illness, I wish you a nice light Christmas, too. Here are my tips for a light Christmas;

• be as kind to yourself as you would be to someone else with the same issues you struggle with
• it’s okay to tell friends and relatives that you’ll decide on the day of a festive event whether or not you are able to attend
• yes, you ARE allowed to do that ^
• take time out from all the plans and events and shopping; do something you know will calm you
• eat plenty of fruit and veg
• take your meds
• if you need to say no to friends and family, I hereby give you permission to say no

If you know someone with a mental illness, I want to encourage you to gift them with the following kindnesses this season;

• offer them unconditional love
• don’t give them advice about how to handle their issues
• support them in the healthy choices they are making, like not self-medicating with alcohol and illegal drugs
• if they’re depressed, sit with them without expecting anything from them
• if they’re manic, be kind
• if they need alone time, give it to them
• invite them to events and be nice about it if they need to decide on the day

I hope you’re having a lovely December!

be you xx Rachel