A charity is encouraging the public to make their mental health a priority this Christmas.
Turn2me, a mental health charity, said the holiday season can bring many challenges, particularly when being forced to socialise with "toxic" family members.
The mental health charity said this time of year can "magnify tensions", particularly in family dynamics where "unresolved issues or dysfunctional patterns exist".
Turn2Me's CEO Fiona O'Malley stressed the importance of setting boundaries, especially around potentially divisive dinner table topics.
"We all know at the dinner table, people should generally avoid politics, religion and money," Ms O'Malley said.
"They are generally topics that can cause division.
"If you pivot into other topics that can be a good way to keep tensions low."
Woman sitting at home on Christmas, Alamy.Ms O'Malley said some family dynamics can be "emotionally draining".
"Remember that you do have the right to set boundaries and priorities your own mental health," she said.
Ms O'Malley previously told Newstalk Breakfast that limiting time spent with your family can also help.
“If you spend extended periods with these toxic family members that can feel overwhelming, but if you plan ahead, you can limit your time together,” she said.
“This could mean arriving later, arriving earlier, or if you schedule breaks during family gatherings like saying, ‘I have to take a phone call at x time’ or ‘I need to have a walk around the block after lunchtime’.
“That can lessen the impact or make it feel less overwhelming.”
Resources
Turn2Me offer anonymous, confidential mental health support.
You can learn more about the organisation right here.
Other mental health resources include the Text About It service, Pieta House, the Samaritans and Childline.
If you or someone you know is at risk of harming themselves or others, always contact emergency services on 112 or 999.
HSE information and advice on mental health can be found here.
Feature image shows a stressed woman in a Christmas jumper, Alamy.
