Ho ho ho

Merry Christmas…

If you have been following my blogs over the years (almost 7 years!) you will know I tend to write a blog around this time of year, either Christmas or New Year. I will likely be saying some of the same things but it can be a difficult time of year for people with anxiety so I feel it is important to write so you know it’s not just you!

Mixed feelings…

People who know me, know I love Christmas, the lights, the films, the music, the excitement all of it but it also comes with its challenges. If your anxiety is triggered by nights out, social situations and such like it can also be a tiring time of year as anxiety levels rise. This year is no different for me and I am already feeling it.

In a couple of weeks we are flying off to be on holiday for Christmas, I am very much looking forward to it, sun, food, drinks, family and time to relax. But this is a big trip for me so every time I think about it or talk about it there is the excitement followed by the hit of anxiety.

Hidden strength…

I already have a number of tattoos (bear with me this does link to the post!) one is a feather representing strength and another says within it ‘you got this’ to remind me I can manage situations. Yesterdays new one is a dual meaning. So it’s a tree with colour splashes representing the seasons, the thinking here is no matter what a tree is facing the hidden roots keep it strong, to handle what it’s tackling on the outside, it might not always look pretty but it stays strong. The other is a representation of family, within the design I have seven hearts representing my family, who’s support adds to my strength.

New tattoo 2nd December

Find your way…

Of course I’m not suggesting everyone with anxiety needs to go out and get tattoos and they do not take away any anxiety, for me they are just a reminder that, even though it’s hard at times, in the majority of situations I do manage to find an inner strength from somewhere to get me through. It’s not always easy to get there but I hope you also can see your strength.

Check in…

It’s a super busy time but if you are struggling still have a chat with family and friends, I am sure they will always be able to make time, and if you are one of the family and friends of someone you know struggles please do check in with them just to see how they are feeling, it really does help people to not feel alone.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Claire x

• Posted in: Anxiety ♦ Mental Health