“The festive season can often bring a whole range of different emotions for people, including joy and happiness, but also sadness and worry. These are likely to be heightened given the incredibly difficult times we are living in, and also following the disrupted Christmases of the last two years due to Covid,” Dr Denise Miller, Educational and Child Psychologist from the British Psychological Society 

There are a range of support organisations which can help you if you need to talk to someone:

Mental health and wellbeing:

• Out of GP opening hours, telephone advice and support is available from NHS 24 via the Mental Health Hub on 111 and is open 24/7
• Breathing Space offers free and confidential advice for people experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety, whatever the cause. They can be contacted on 0800 83 85 87, 6pm to 2am Monday to Thursday; and 6pm Friday through the weekend to 6am Monday.
• Samaritans on116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org, for confidential emotional support if you’re in distress or despair. Open 24 hours a day.
• There is also a range of practical resources and support on Mind to Mind

Money worries and finances:

• Money Talk Team at Citizens Advice Scotland provides free money and debt advice for anyone living in Scotland or call your local Citizens Advice Bureau on 0800 028 1456.
• Money Advice Scotland provides free and confidential advice to anyone with money worries.  Their team is available on 0141 572 0237 Monday – Thursday 8:30 am to 8 pm and Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm.
• Mental Health and Money Advice provides practical advice and support for anyone experiencing issues with mental health and money.
• Find out what help is available through the cost of living crisis support website