While the holidays can be an exciting time for people to come together and celebrate, at Suicide & Co we know that the winter months can also be a challenging and often a lonely or daunting time for some, especially if you are grieving a loved one. We are always reminding our community and beyond that each and everyone of us has company, be that friends, family or services, we’re never alone.
If you’re navigating grief yourself or supporting someone who is during the festive season, getting ahead of it can make all the difference. A few things that can help:
Self-Care
During a busy, stressful and emotionally charged time, self-care can take a backseat. Especially if you are looking after a loved one or dealing with a difficult situation. It can be difficult to prioritise yourself but remember to make time and space for yourself.
Seek Support
If speaking to a professional seems too daunting, connecting with family members or friends can help. Having regular conversations and check-ins on how you’re coping can go a long way.
Stay Connected
Loneliness and isolation can be particularly challenging during the holiday season. Reach out to friends and family and consider volunteering or joining community events to stay connected.
Set Boundaries
Don’t be afraid to say no to commitments or events that will overwhelm you. Setting healthy boundaries is essential for preserving your mental well-being. Most importantly plan in moments for joy and laughter that are on your terms, rather than the busy social calendar we can find ourselves signed up to.
Stay Positive
One way that we at Suicide & Co like to remind ourselves that we are not alone is through affirmations that can act as the reminder we so often need. Sometimes, it can be difficult to remind yourself of the positives in life, especially if you are feeling alone. This is why we have designed everyday items that can help spread a positive affirmation or to remind you or a loved one that you have company. From bracelets to sweatshirts to journals to caps and cards, these little everyday reminders can go a long way. They can be a great present for yourself or someone you’re supporting, spreading not just love at Christmas but affirmations and messages of self-care.
Remember that it’s okay to seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed or experiencing depression or anxiety during the holiday season. Reach out to mental health professionals or support networks for assistance. Prioritising your mental well-being is crucial during this time and throughout the year.
The Spirit of Christmas Fair
We’re incredibly grateful and proud to The Official Charity partner of The Spirit of Christmas Fair this year! We will be selling our merchandise, and running the Shop and Drop facility all to fundraise for our core charity services, as well as hosting a panel focusing on wellbeing and breaking the stigma.
The panel will be hosted by Amelia Wrighton, our CEO, alongside our amazing guests: Amber Jeffrey, Harry Corin and Melanie Curtis and take place on Friday 3rd November at 3pm.
Amber Jeffrey is a celebrated podcast host, online community facilitator, grief mentor and consultant. Her work & podcast, The Grief Gang, specialises in breaking down the topic that is grief one conversation at a time.
Harry Corin is the founder of Corin&Co, a mental health training and consultancy business that works alongside companies to build and manage initiatives, campaigns and programmes to inspire employees and employers to take positive action on mental health.
Melanie Curtis is a Trauma & Addiction Recovery Coach, Trauma-informed yoga and meditation teacher and somatic practitioner. She co-facilitates a trauma-informed training programme called The Voyage.
We invite you to join us at The Spirit of Christmas Fair. The panel is free to attend visitors to the fair! You can get your tickets using the link in our bio, and use our code WELLBEING for 25% off!
Amelia Wrighton
Co-Founder & CEO of Suicide&Co
Suicide&Co is a national charity with the purpose to support those bereaved by suicide and open-up the conversation around suicide-related grief to prevent mental health deterioration after the trauma of losing a loved one to suicide. Our vision is to provide adults bereaved by suicide in England and Wales with timely and effective support, because everyone deserves to feel like they have permission to grieve.
The main support that Suicide&Co provides is one-to-one bereavement counselling. We also have a helpline – the first national suicide bereavement helpline run by bereavement counsellors open Monday – Friday 9am-5pm. It can be accessed via telephone, email or webchat. Alongside that we have lots of information and resources on our website including a Help Hub to support those bereaved by suicide from day one. Both our social media and website are sources of information; curating existing content, signposting to useful resources and highlighting lived experience. By offering a source of consolidated and specific information in a user-friendly hub, we enable individuals to access the right information as quickly as possible, welcoming them into a non-judgemental community.
