Such a tricky time of year

[Beautyinreality]

Just wanted to reach out to everyone who suffers with a mental illness, christmas can be such a difficult time.
I have bipolar disorder that is usually well managed but have had a pretty bad episode last couple of months and have been signed off work for 5 weeks now.
I am finding it really hard that everyone around me is full of Christmas spirit and joy when i feel so bleak and hollowed out. I had a nasty incident this week that left me in resus overnight and resulted in social services being contacted.
I feel such guilt that I am meant to be the children's magic and yet am in such a bad place. Have tried to do things at home that I can manage, like we are reading a xmas novel together and we have been singing some carols at the piano.
I'm not sure how to get through this next week but just wanted to send love to others that are struggling.
Spring is just round the corner

Sending love to you 💐🙏

I’m sorry to hear what a tough time you’ve been having. Well done for getting through the last few weeks.
Members of my family have various mental illness (I’ve recently been diagnosed with bipolar). Christmas has always been a difficult time of year my whole life. When my Mum became ill enough she needed to go into hospital, it was always at Xmas time.
I cope by dialling down the expectations and obligations. And have a fun mini holiday planned every year for Jan/Feb time.
I hope you’re starting to feel little better and have good support around you. Take care.