Week Two ThinkEDI 12 Weeks of Festive Allyship
Jess Bowen
October 2024
Supporting Mental Health and Neurodivergent Individuals During the Festive Season
The festive season is often associated with joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, it can also be a source of stress, anxiety, and discomfort, particularly for those who struggle with mental health or are neurodivergent. The combination of heightened social expectations, sensory overload, and disrupted routines can make this time especially challenging. Understanding these challenges and learning how to support others—and ourselves—can help create a more inclusive and compassionate environment during the holidays.
How the Festive Season Affects Mental Health
While the holidays can bring moments of happiness, they can also lead to increased stress for many people. Financial pressures to buy gifts or host events, the social expectation to attend gatherings, and changes in routine all contribute to heightened anxiety. For individuals who already experience mental health struggles, such as anxiety, depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), these challenges can be amplified.
Many people also experience social isolation during the festive season. While images of family gatherings and joyous celebrations are often portrayed, these can be painful reminders for individuals who have lost loved ones or who don’t have close social connections. In fact, statistics show that around 55% of adults feel lonely during this time, and 64% of people report feeling stressed.
![[Image description: The image features a purple background with the "ThinkEDI" logo in the top left corner, alongside a lightbulb icon. The text "WEEK ONE Cultural & Religious Awareness" is positioned underneath. Golden star-like accents are displayed beside the text. On the right, there's a Christmas ornament with the words "12 Weeks of FESTIVE ALLYSHIP" written inside.
Below, the image highlights "TIP FOUR" in smaller text, followed by "Holiday Leave Consideration" in bold letters. At the bottom, the website URL www.ThinkEDI.co.uk is included.]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/610fb0_535ea02974ac4e20a393c006d7675e4b~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_980,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/WEEK%201%20TIP%204%20festive%20allyship.png)
[Image description: The image features a purple background with the "ThinkEDI" logo in the top left corner, alongside a lightbulb icon. The text "WEEK ONE Cultural & Religious Awareness" is positioned underneath. Golden star-like accents are displayed beside the text. On the right, there's a Christmas ornament with the words "12 Weeks of FESTIVE ALLYSHIP" written inside.
Below, the image highlights "TIP FOUR" in smaller text, followed by "Holiday Leave Consideration" in bold letters. At the bottom, the website URL www.ThinkEDI.co.uk is included.]
Why the Festive Season is Not Neurodivergent-Friendly
For neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences, the festive season can present additional hurdles:
Sensory Overload: Bright lights, loud music, and crowded environments can be overwhelming for those with sensory sensitivities. Holiday decorations, bustling stores, and gatherings can trigger feelings of discomfort and stress, leading to sensory overload.
Disrupted Routines: Neurodivergent people often rely on established routines to feel secure and balanced. The changes in daily schedules, from time off work or school to social obligations, can lead to feelings of uncertainty and increased anxiety.
Social Expectations: Festive gatherings often require social interaction that can be draining or confusing for neurodivergent individuals. They may struggle with unwritten social rules, feel pressure to conform, or experience stress in navigating gift-giving, making small talk, or engaging in physical touch (like hugs).
Emotional Dysregulation: The heightened sensory input, changes in routine, and social pressure can contribute to emotional dysregulation, where neurodivergent individuals may struggle to manage their emotions, leading to feelings of frustration or anxiety.
How to Support Others During the Festive Season
Supporting those who may find the festive period challenging involves offering empathy, creating inclusive environments, and reducing pressures. Here are some practical ways to provide support:
Acknowledge the Difficulties: Start by putting out communications that recognize the festive season can be both joyful and stressful. Highlighting that it’s okay to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or lonely can help normalize these experiences and make others feel less isolated. A message acknowledging that the festive period brings cheer but can also exacerbate mental health difficulties can open the door to more honest conversations.
Create Sensory-Friendly Spaces: Whether at home or at events, try to offer calm environments with low lighting, quiet spaces, and minimal sensory stimulation. This will make the environment more accessible for neurodivergent people who may become overwhelmed by traditional festive settings.
Respect Boundaries: Allow people to set their own limits. Don’t pressure anyone to participate in events or social gatherings if they’re not comfortable, and respect their need to leave early or take breaks. Flexibility is key.
Role Model Self-Care: Show others that it's okay to take breaks and prioritize your mental well-being. By modeling this behavior, you can encourage those around you to feel comfortable doing the same without guilt. Rest when needed, avoid overcommitting, and manage your own expectations for the season.
Encourage Open Conversations: Be honest with others about how you’re feeling. Sharing your own stress or overwhelm can make it easier for others to open up about their struggles. Your vulnerability may help someone else feel seen and supported, leading to more meaningful connections.
Check-In Regularly: Reach out to friends or family members who may be isolated or struggling. Even a simple message or phone call can provide a sense of connection. Encourage open dialogue and be a listening ear for those who need to talk.
Referring to Support Services in the UK
There are many organizations in the UK that offer support to individuals dealing with mental health challenges or neurodivergent-related stress, especially during the festive season:
Samaritans: A 24/7 helpline that offers emotional support for those in distress. You can contact them at 116 123.
Mind: A mental health charity providing advice, support, and a helpline (0300 123 3393) for anyone struggling with mental health issues during the holidays.
National Autistic Society (NAS): Their helpline (0808 800 4104) offers advice for neurodivergent individuals, including support for managing sensory overload and social anxiety.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): A service supporting individuals in crisis, especially men, through their helpline (0800 58 58 58) and webchat.
SHOUT: A free, 24/7 text service for anyone in a mental health crisis. Text “SHOUT” to 85258 for support.

[Image Description:
The image is a promotional banner for ThinkEDI and its Inclusion app. The background is a light gradient transitioning from green to purple, with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
At the top, the ThinkEDI logo is displayed, featuring a lightbulb icon and the text "Think Equity, Diversity & Inclusion."
Below the logo, a bold heading reads "The Inclusion Revolution" on a green and purple banner.
Underneath, the text invites viewers to "Drive engagement and retention with The ThinkEDI Inclusion app" followed by three bullet points:
Set diversity and inclusion KPI's
Manage adjustment requests
Join the inclusion revolution!
To the right of the text, there is an image of a diverse group of individuals standing together and smiling. This group includes people from different backgrounds, ages, and identities, reflecting the inclusive message of the campaign. They appear to be standing within a laptop screen, representing the digital nature of the ThinkEDI app.
A QR code is positioned at the top right, likely directing to the ThinkEDI website or app. Below the promotional text, the website URL www.ThinkEDI.co.uk is clearly displayed.
Various icons related to inclusion and data, such as lightbulbs, graphs, and network nodes, are lightly featured in the background, emphasising the app’s focus on driving diversity and inclusion through measurable actions. The overall feel is modern, professional, and inclusive.]

Week Two ThinkEDI 12 Weeks of Festive Allyship
Looking After Yourself During the Festive Season
While supporting others is essential, it’s equally important to care for yourself during this time. Here are some ways to maintain your mental health:
Set Realistic Expectations: Don’t strive for perfection. The festive season can often bring pressure to make everything “just right.” Accepting that things might not go as planned can relieve unnecessary stress.
Take Breaks: Incorporate rest periods into your holiday routine. Step back from social obligations when needed and allow yourself downtime to recharge.
Engage in Self-Care: Prioritize activities that bring you comfort and relaxation, whether it’s a quiet walk, reading, or practicing mindfulness.
Limit Social Media: Avoid comparing your holiday experience to others online. Social media can create unrealistic standards, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
Seek Support When Needed: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to loved ones or professionals. The support services listed above are valuable resources for managing stress during this time.
The festive season can be a mixed experience for many people, particularly those with mental health challenges or neurodivergent conditions.
By offering support, creating inclusive environments, and being open about our own struggles, we can help make the holidays a more manageable and meaningful time for everyone.
Looking after ourselves and seeking professional support when needed can further ensure that we’re caring for our mental well-being during this busy time of year.