Publish date: 23 December 2022
Dr Chris Hilton, Chief Operating Officer for Local and Specialist Services, has featured in a MyLondon news article giving advice on how to look after your mental health over the festive period and when to ask for help.
Dr Hilton described how there is often an increase in patients presenting at A&E departments around Christmas relating to their mental health.
He said whilst the holidays can have a positive effect on many who are reconnected with loved ones it can be very difficult and lonely for others.
He told MyLondon: "Christmas isn't always, and doesn't always have to be, like a picture on a Christmas card.
"If family dynamics boil over, particularly if fuelled by too much alcohol, and it triggers thoughts of harming yourself, or feelings of anxiety, sadness or inability to enjoy anything and it tips over into being there most of the time (i.e for more than a week or two) then it may be worth asking for professional support."
Dr Hilton also gave some other signs to look out for, including difficulty sleeping, fatigued, and feelings of agitation and worthlessness.
The article also highlights a new initiative to prevent hospital admissions and support patients from home.
The Single Point of Access (SPA) will be linking eight urgent response teams covering Hounslow, Hillingdon, Brent, Harrow, Ealing, Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, as well as Hammersmith and Fulham to treat people at home.
You can read more about the SPA helpline here. It's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
If you would like to read the full MyLondon interview with Dr Chris Hilton, please click here.