Written by: Canse Karatas, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise
There are many versions of the festive season. The magical parts: putting up the Christmas tree with carols playing in the background then, relaxing with a hot chocolate watching movies. Taking a stroll to see the lights sipping on a mulled wine and checking out the markets. Ice skating is a known favourite this time of year. Shopping, the hustle and bustle where everything appears shiny. The nutcracker or pantomime. Wrapping gifts for loved ones, losing the end of the cellotape! Then the big day. Everyone around the dinner table that a sense of togetherness as you enjoy the days events. Well, what about those it’s not so special for? Who could not possibly love Christmas right?
This time of year can actually be the hardest for people. Every article, every tv advert, every conversation can seem like everyone is happy but you. Relationships are romanticised when you get home to an empty, cold house, the feeling of loneliness intensifying night after night. Reflecting on lost loved one’s can bring so much pain. They loved Christmas; couldn’t you have just had one more together? Families are complex in many ways, some relatives estranged or some just hard work to communicate with. As a result, you may begin moulding yourself to meet their needs or to create the ‘perfect family Christmas’. Anxiety, depression or other mental health issues enhanced with everything just feeling so overwhelming and stressful. Adding to the pressure of finding gifts when you struggle to pay bills already and don’t have spare money. The overindulgence of food and alcohol whilst homeless people left forgotten in the bitter streets.
There are many other aspects of Christmas to consider but I believe this gives a balanced view. Before opening my therapy practice, I worked for 10 years in mental health services. From my experience, I have witnessed how dark Christmas can be for many and it is one of the busiest times for mental health professionals. There are things I will never forget and hold sadness in my heart for those people. Also, some beautiful things too. When I worked on a mental health unit none of those patients really had a family but they had created a bond. When I walked onto shift one day, they we’re playing on the piano all laughing. In that moment I learnt that no matter what is going on for you, there are always options and most definitely hope! For those of you who are in a good place, I urge you to be kind also reach out to anyone and everyone. For those of you who are struggling please know you are not alone. Whatever head space you are in it is okay and whatever you need right now don’t be pressured by expectations. You do you!
Canse Karatas, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Canse Karatas, has her own Counselling & Psychotherapy Private Practice. Has 10 years experience working for a range of services with a variety of issues like abuse, anxiety, depression, loneliness, low confidence, schizophrenia, self-harm, suicide and much more. She also worked in a Therapeutic Community which was DBT focused with ladies who have a personality disorder. Canse is Passionate about mental health awareness and actively seeks ways to help people. Her therapeutic influence is from an Integrative Approach mostly linked to Humanistic, Relational & Creative ways of working. Being mixed race she really values diversity and open-mindedness. Canse believes that we all have the resources within us to be the best version of ourselves for the future we deserve.
