North East mental health charity urging people to reach out for help if they need it over festive period
They say the festive period can be shown as the most joyous time of year - but for many that isn't the reality.
A North East mental health charity tells us how to look after our mental health over the Christmas period.
They say the festive period can be shown as the most joyous time of year - but for many that isn't the reality.
They are also urging people to look after their mental health and reach out for help if needed.
Matthew Smith, one of the founders of 'if U care share', said: "We acknowledge that Christmas can be a difficult time for a lot of people. I think there is significant external things that can impact on us. The financial challenges that some of us may face, but even the simple things like the dark nights can really affect our mood.
"I think the biggest thing for me, and I try and practice this myself, is live out this time of the year the way you want to live it out. There isn't this written rule as of this is how this should look.
“For anybody that feels that they are alone during this period, you're not and please be aware of the amazing helplines that are available, the amazing services that are available."