Coping with Christmas: Emotional Challenges for Healthcare Workers
Episode Overview
Christmas can be emotionally challenging for healthcare professionals. Work rotas can impact holiday plans and contribute to stress. Loneliness and societal expectations can make the season overwhelming. Staying connected and limiting social media use can help manage stress. It's important to reach out for support if you're struggling.
It's okay to feel conflicted about Christmas.
Christmas can be a magical time, but it also brings its fair share of challenges, especially for healthcare professionals. In this special festive episode of the Practitioner Health Wellbeing Podcast, Medical Director Dr Zaid Al-Najjar is joined by therapists Ruth Deighton and Simon Lyne to chat about the emotional rollercoaster that is Christmas. They dive into why this season can be tough for many, discussing everything from work rotas to family conflicts and the pressure to have a perfect holiday.
Ruth and Simon share stories from their patients, highlighting how loneliness and societal expectations can make the season feel overwhelming. They also offer practical advice on managing these challenges, such as staying connected, limiting social media use, and finding joy in small things. Whether you love or loathe Christmas, this episode offers a comforting reminder that it's okay to feel conflicted. So, if you're struggling this holiday season, remember you're not alone – there's always someone to talk to.