One in three Brits are more likely to struggle with their mental wellbeing during the Christmas period than at any other time of year – but two-thirds will tell friends and family they are “fine”, even if they are not. A poll of 2,000 adults found that, as a nation, we collectively say we are “fine” as many as 213 million times every day – with 87 per cent proclaiming it on autopilot, without thinking about how they really feel.
And 34 per cent are less likely to feel okay during the festive season – but half of those (51 per cent) feel others don't want to hear about their struggles, as it dampens the mood. If respondents were asked how they are by family over Christmas dinner, 47 per cent would keep the conversation light-hearted, believing that it is not the right time to discuss heavy issues.
But the study, commissioned by Walkers to shine a light on the benefits of opening up and talking more, found more than half (52 per cent) feel additional pressure to be happy during the festive period, and pretend everything is okay. Walkers and Comic Relief teamed up with TV and radio presenter, and mental wellbeing campaigner, Roman Kemp, for its festive ad campaign, to inspire people to open up and talk more – challenging the nation to give up the F*** word (fine) this Christmas and beyond, to support their mental wellbeing.
