Relate NI urging people to ‘Relieve the Pressure’ this Christmas following relationships survey results
Relate NI highlights pressure on relationships this Christmas in NI Relationships Survey and launches self-help e-books as part of first Winter Campaign, ‘Relieve The Pressure’
People in Northern Ireland are feeling much more pessimistic about Christmas this year, with optimism levels dropping by almost half due to Covid-19 according to the results of a survey conducted for Relate NI.
75% of respondents surveyed said they normally feel positive about Christmas whereas this has dropped significantly with only 43% of people in Northern Ireland feeling optimistic about the festive season this year.
More than half of people in NI do not expect to celebrate Christmas in their usual way this year due to Covid-19, according to the results of the survey.
Most of those surveyed fear Christmas will not be the same because they won’t be able to spend it with their loved ones due to Covid restrictions (63%) and having a fear of transmitting the virus (43%).
And while the build-up to the festive period can be stressful for many, this year added concerns about health, the loss of a loved one and financial worries have poured on the pressure.
Financial worries will dampen Christmas for 15% of us with another 26% reporting some money worries.
In response, Relate NI has launched a new campaign to “Relieve The Pressure.” The campaign recognises the potential for the festive period to increase relationship tensions, and how the effects of the Coronavirus may exacerbate that, and the results of the survey confirm that.
Stevie Maginn explains: “There has been a huge shift in opinion with people overall having a more pessimistic view on Christmas 2020.
“Usually 75% of people feel positive or very positive about Christmas, whereas this year the figure has dropped significantly to just 43%.
“That so many respondents feel less positive about Christmas this year illustrates how much additional pressure people are under, which if left unchecked, may give rise to unhelpful conflict in our relationships.”
“We have put together a series of e-books and videos which provide practical ideas and tips to Relieve the Pressure on your Relationships with yourself, your partner, your children and your family;
“Relate NI’s team of skilled and professional counsellors are also available to help support people and their relationships.”
For more information on how to Relieve The Pressure on your Relationships this festive season, head over to https://www.relateni.org/relieve_the_pressure
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