Christmas can be an isolating time for some LGBTQ+ people. It could mean spending less time with friends and more time in unaccepting households. If you or someone you know finds the festive period to be challenging here are some tips for looking after yourself and others. Remember to reach out for help if you need it, find further links at the bottom of the page:

1. Take care of your primary needs - eat well, get enough sleep, drink enough water, exercise, get outside. It may seem simple but these things can be easily neglected.

2. Make time for things that bring you joy and energy - read, bake, watch films, journal, play video games. Find out what works best for you!

3. Prepare for topics that often come up over this time - relationships/ studies/ career plans. Knowing what may come up and how much detail you would like to share with distant relatives may help reduce any worries.

4. Schedule calls with your chosen family - reach out to your friends and check in with one another, organise events, maybe host a games night or watch a film together! 

5. Set expectations - If you feel comfortable, talk to those you are spending Christmas with in advance about things that you would rather not discuss or how you might feel about attending places of worship. Setting those expectations may help to put your worries at ease.

6. Take time to be alone - go for a walk, redecorate your space, find healthy ways to recharge. 

7. Take breaks from social media - although it can be a great support system, it can also lead to comparison and negative self image. Remember that the boring and ugly sides of people's holiday won't make it onto your feed. 

8. Most importantly reach out for help if you need:

LGBT Switchboard: http://switchboard.lgbt

LGBT Foundation Helpline: http://lgbt.foundation/helpline

Leeds based mental health support: http://mindwell-leeds.org.uk

LGBT+ Domestic Abuse helpline: http://galop.org.uk