‘TIS the season to be jolly, and I hope yours is a good one. For anyone who struggles with their mental health and well-being, this time of year can prove even more difficult.

Here are my top tips to help you cope better with the demands of the festive season; and how you can help someone else who may be struggling.

* Last minute shopping is one of the most stressful parts of Christmas for many people, so make it easier on yourself. If you have forgotten a present for somebody or need to get one at the last minute, just give yourself some thinking time. Don’t rush out and buy something over-priced or unsuitable.

If you really are unsure, get someone a gift voucher from a shop they like, and let them bag themselves a bargain in the Boxing Day sales.

* Enjoy yourself this party season but do remember that alcohol is actually a depressant. Don’t be afraid to say no if someone is trying to get you to have that extra drink that you really don’t want.

Know your limit and stick to it. No matter where you are, never leave your drink unattended. Remember it is a long holiday season so pace yourself.

* If the thought of a family gathering or other event is causing you to negatively forecast all the things which could go wrong, just take a moment to remember the fact that most of the things we worry about never happen. However, if you have to disappoint someone else in order to look after your own mental well-being so be it.

* If you are at your own event, or someone else’s and you can feel yourself becoming stressed or anxious, take yourself out for a brisk walk to clear your head. If that is not possible, take yourself off to the bathroom for 10 minutes if necessary, and take some slow deep breaths in and out, counting as you do it. This simple technique can work really quickly to lower your stress levels. It can help you to quickly reassess the situation if things are becoming a little tense or overbearing.

* Whether it is the works party, a family gathering or any other event – remember that not everything you see is necessarily as it appears, so don’t compare yourself to others. It is a habit many of us have got into thanks to social media. Just think of all the party-snapshots you see on Facebook etc., where many things look too good to be true, they usually are.

* Remember your own personal boundaries, and respect other people’s. If you’ve been following my column for the last eight months, and been looking after your own well-being, then don’t blow it now! With just a few days until the big day, Christmas preparations can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

While the spirit of the season is often associated with family gatherings, gift exchanges, and copious amounts of food, these can also be triggers for anxiety, guilt, and unhealthy habits. Amidst the flurry of festivities, don’t forget the importance of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries to protect your mental well-being.

Lastly, have yourselves a fabulous Christmas and don’t forget, if you know of anyone on their own this Christmas, it is the perfect time to check they are okay. Perhaps pop a card through their door letting them know they can call on you if they need to. A moment of festive kindness could make all the difference to someone.

If Christmas isn’t celebrated in your household, then let me wish you all the very best over the coming week, whatever you are doing.

I usually finish off my column advising people to call the Samaritans on 116 123, if they are struggling or have thoughts of suicide. They are open 24/7 right across the Christmas period. They are also there if you are feeling alone, or just need someone to talk to.

Never underestimate the benefit of just having a friendly ear who will do their best to understand whatever it is you are going through.

Here are some other services which may be helpful, keep them handy:

SANEline is a national out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers. They are usually open every day of the year from 4pm-10pm on 0300 304 7000

Text Shout to 85258 Open 24/7

Papyrus Hopeline for people under 35. Open 24/7 0800 068 4141

Campaign Against Living Miserably 0800 58 58 58 Service for Men. Open 5pm to midnight

* Martin Furber is a therapist qualified in various modalities and an Instructor Member of Mental Health First Aid England. wellbeing@martinfurber.com