Log In
Register
Many people associate certain times of each year with a sad time in their life. This may be due to depression, loneliness, redundancy or the loss of a loved one.
Memories of Loss
For those who are grieving because of the death of a loved one, Christmas can be a particularly difficult time. The fact that someone you love is no longer with you to enjoy the celebrations can be unbearable and the pain can be acute. Instead of Christmas joy, the holidays are a reminder of heartache, loss and sadness as the memories come flooding back.
Coping with the Grief
Everyone deals with grief differently, and what works for one person will not work for another. But it is a good idea to talk about your loved one, and make arrangements to go out with family and friends.
If you find the Christmas festivities too difficult to bear, stay away from them until you feel stronger. Don’t be ashamed of your grief, and if you need to cry, go ahead. Do whatever you need to make things easier for yourself, and ask for help if you need it.
Many people find it helpful to volunteer during the holiday period such as helping at a homeless shelter or in a home for the elderly. While you are busy caring for other people, you won’t have time to dwell on your own feelings. Hopefully things will get easier with time and you will find comfort in the knowledge that you are helping those less fortunate.
In time, most people are able to find meaning in their life again. As each year passes, the pain will ease and you will find the strength to face the future.
Mental Health Resources
Suicide is Never the Answer
Understand the reasons behind suicidal feelings in young people and recognise the signs to help prevent this tragedy.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 1999
- Last revised: 2022
- Pages: 44
Teenage Depression — A Way Out
Tackles the issue of depression including causes and signs that parents and teachers can look out for.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 1999
- Last revised: 2022
- Pages: 87
Suicide Awareness and Prevention
Covers suicide from a variety of perspectives, the reasons behind suicide, the groups most at risk and the warning signs.
- Category: General
- Published: 2022
- Pages: 61
Mental Health Lesson Plans
Exam Stress
This lesson plan provides information and advice on dealing with exam stress.
- Age range: 12
- Category: Schools
- Published: 2022
- Pages: 17
Generalised Anxiety Disorder
A lesson plan examining teenage anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder — a more extreme form of anxiety.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 2022
- Pages: 14
Introduction to Depression
This lesson plan introduces depression and the way it affects us physically and mentally.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 2022
- Pages: 14
Introduction to Loneliness
An introduction to loneliness and the way it affects our physical and mental health.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 2022
- Pages: 15
Introduction to Mental Health
This lesson plan introduces the subject of mental health and mental illness.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 2022
- Pages: 15
Suicide Prevention
A lesson plan designed to promote suicide awareness and prevention.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 2022
- Pages: 21
Free Mental Health Resources
Depression
How can someone tell if they are suffering with depression? This free resource seeks to find out.
- Category: Schools
- Pages: 8
Free Download
Loneliness
What is loneliness and what causes people to feel lonely? This free resource explores these questions.
- Category: Schools
- Pages: 6
Free Download