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I’ve heard a few people separately refer to the month of November as a ‘month of change’ – both seasonal and emotional.
It’s usually a time that many people consider the start of winter, with annual celebrations such as Bonfire Night adding glitz and community to what is traditionally a cold (sometimes rainy) month.
In the context of health, November is recognised internationally through programmes such as ‘Stress Awareness Week’, and nationally through ‘National Self-Care Week’.
November is a very busy month for call outs to the emergency services in the UK, both for police and ambulance providers, and it is commonly acknowledged amongst us that winter months such as November and December, sadly, see a real spike in the number of patients we interact with suffering a mental health crisis.
From my own personal experience, the change in weather and soon-arriving Christmas were main reasons found to be at play.
Of course, our mental health can be affected at any time of the year for a multitude of reasons, but leading examples over this period that are prevalent include; university students worried about their academic performance whilst being many miles away from their family, pensioners struggling to afford an increase in bills and/or with the death of their partner, to mothers and fathers unable to foresee how they will be able to afford presents for their children as well as pay their mortgage.
As a professionals sent to help in these moments, it is heartbreaking to witness and we often spend days afterwards wondering how these people are getting on once they leave our care.
Some people answer the door showing no outward signs of their inner turmoil.
Others have been found in tears and, thankfully, helped before things have deteriorated further.
November holds a lot to be excited for, and spending time with family and friends over this month into the next are precious moments in time that a lot of us are able to enjoy.
However, it is also important that we look out for one another, we check in on friends, family and neighbours that maybe we haven’t spoken to in a while, and recognise that what many of us are able to experience over these months, many people do not.
If you are experiencing your own stresses, please do reach out to loved ones, your mate at the pub, a trusted colleague at work so that someone is aware of how you are feeling. There are also professional mental health charities and talking services who can offer the help and advice you may require. If you think it is an emergency, just call 999 – I can assure you there is no judgement from us, just a will to help.
We are extremely lucky to have a strong sense of community in Southsea – and Portsmouth in general – so let’s navigate this change in season with both excitement and compassion.
Posted in: Health & Fitness
