It’s meant to be a time of good cheer, relaxation and celebration, but for many, Christmas is the opposite. Stressful, depressing, lonely… Many people are unhappy at Christmas and according to the National Institute of Health, they can experience mental health problems. And for those who already struggle with their mental health, they may find these problems worsen. 

Dr Claire Plumbly is a clinical psychologist specialising in trauma, anxiety and burnout. Alongside her online therapy practice she creates engaging short-form videos on improving your mental health for social media, plus regularly runs online workshops for overcoming stress, procrastination and unhealthy boundaries. Dr Claire is also currently writing a book on how to recover from burnout, due for release in 2024. 

In the second Ask The Expert episode, where listeners and the My Possible Self app users send in their questions for host Gabby to put to a mental health or wellness professional, Dr Claire is on hand to offer advice on all things Christmas related. 

Covered in the conversation Dr Claire offers guidance on the following: how to implement financial boundaries to avoid overspending, how to cope with unpredictable family members that might be excessively drinking, how we might honour any lost loved ones and get through the period if we are grieving, ways we might ease social anxiety, addressing a fear of food and overeating, what to do about the stress and pressure of feeling like we have to be happy and jolly all the time... and more. 

Dr Claire Plumbly's website: https://www.drclaireplumbly.com/

To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast