A Christmas Message.
If you live in Britain, you'll know that at Christmas time the Queen gives a special Christmas message. It's usually broadcast on the BBC on Christmas Day, and in it the Queen often tries to boost the morale of our country. Thing is, this year the Queen may have a pretty difficult time doing this, such is the extent of our current economic malaise. In fact, if I were her, I'd probably start off by saying something like, "Yikes folks, things are awful, why not just stay in bed".
Indeed, it's even worse if you're experiencing mental ill health. I'm not saying that it's only those in such a predicament that are feeling the pinch, but as my own previous Christmas messages in this blog attest, it is often a particularly difficult time for us. The isolation which mental illness can bring can sometimes be more acutely felt at this time of year, when everyone else is running around enjoying themselves and basking in the warmth of friends and family.
Also, if you do happen to read this blog, you'll know that cuts to both benefits and mental health services are causing dismay for many. In my last post, I spoke of how our local mental health resource centre is closing on 21st December. And, of course, all of those on Incapacity Benefit are being reassessed due to the change-over to Employment and Support Allowance. Luckily for me, I have been fortunate enough to be put onto ESA and not the dreaded Jobseeker's Allowance, but the sheer stress of reassessment has been a lot to bear for many. The Mind Mental Health Survey and the report by the Schizophrenia Commission revealed that the problem of stigma is still alive and kicking, and also that there are significant shortcomings in mental health services, particularly in terms of the treatment of psychotic disorders.
So, all in all, it may be a pretty tough Christmas for all of us - money is short, services are being cut, and there seems to be more of this sort of thing on the horizon. As we take a sip of our Christmas sherry and tuck into our turkey dinner, then, perhaps it won't taste quite as good as it should, but I will still take this opportunity to wish everyone who reads or comments on this blog a very, very Merry Christmas. After all, what else can go wrong?...
Indeed, it's even worse if you're experiencing mental ill health. I'm not saying that it's only those in such a predicament that are feeling the pinch, but as my own previous Christmas messages in this blog attest, it is often a particularly difficult time for us. The isolation which mental illness can bring can sometimes be more acutely felt at this time of year, when everyone else is running around enjoying themselves and basking in the warmth of friends and family.
Also, if you do happen to read this blog, you'll know that cuts to both benefits and mental health services are causing dismay for many. In my last post, I spoke of how our local mental health resource centre is closing on 21st December. And, of course, all of those on Incapacity Benefit are being reassessed due to the change-over to Employment and Support Allowance. Luckily for me, I have been fortunate enough to be put onto ESA and not the dreaded Jobseeker's Allowance, but the sheer stress of reassessment has been a lot to bear for many. The Mind Mental Health Survey and the report by the Schizophrenia Commission revealed that the problem of stigma is still alive and kicking, and also that there are significant shortcomings in mental health services, particularly in terms of the treatment of psychotic disorders.
So, all in all, it may be a pretty tough Christmas for all of us - money is short, services are being cut, and there seems to be more of this sort of thing on the horizon. As we take a sip of our Christmas sherry and tuck into our turkey dinner, then, perhaps it won't taste quite as good as it should, but I will still take this opportunity to wish everyone who reads or comments on this blog a very, very Merry Christmas. After all, what else can go wrong?...
Comments
I was surprised to read that the Queen owns 1/6 of the world's property... could that be true?
Do you have the option to make a written response to her message? Like, "We are not amused!"
Glad to hear you have retained status of assistance; it sure is scary to think your life would be affected by someone's greed.
This year is quite different for me; my seasonal hoopla has become a mission of giving time or food to shut-ins, lonely elderly, and those it would seem that Christmas overlooks. I'm not bragging or complaining... just trying to be a loving person.
Thank you for all of your visits and comments this year. Also a very Merry Season of Caring to you! I've received so much from reading your blog.
Agappa Love,
Dixie
Ah yes, the Christmas Day tradition of the Queen reading out her message as the "subjects" cling onto her every word.
They show her Christmas message to the Canadians who are also feeling a bit of a pinch.
I'm relieved that you managed to hold onto your Benefits in its latest format. Of course, I don't think you should have been subjected to such anxiety this government has imposed on you and so many.
I wish for you and your loved ones, a peaceful, reflective and positive 'Boxing Day Eve'.
I have a message for the Queen. How much will they be reducing your benefits to pay the bedroom tax on all those spare rooms in Buckingham Palace?
In kindness and hope for a stigma free future.
Gary
I don't know about the little fact about the Queen, but very little surprises me now when it comes to just how wealthy some are in comparison to most of us plebs!
Anyway, it's so good of you to help others at Christmas. This seems a little closer to what it should all be about, rather than just indulging ourselves.
And, I'm very glad that you get so much from reading my humble little blog. My head grows larger by the minute!
Hoping you have a wonderful Christmas Dixie,
Very Best Wishes,
David.
Ah, of course, the Queen. Maybe she should pay a "bedroom tax", or maybe, any tax at all would be nice!
But, as one of her loyal subjects, I must say that I take great offence at anyone who might even infer that Her Royal Majesty doesn't do her fair share (this is my stab at sarcasm, Gare, which, as everyone knows, is the lowest form of wit, and that's why it's so funny).
Anyways, I do hope that things on the benfits front turn out as well for you as they have for me. It would make for a more worry-free Christmas, methinks. So, hang in there, Gare, for my Christmas card to you is on the way, and that'll surely be wonderfully cheering (oops, my sarcasm is showing again!).
Very Best Yuletide Wishes, and a Christmas log, your way,
David.
I'm glad that the DWP saw sense and put you on ESA. I imagine that is a relief for you.
I will be avoiding the queen's speech on Christmas day, as I am not a fan. I would just like to see her (and more importantly all the politicians) try to live on what we have to live on through no fault of our own.
I wish you all the best for Christmas and the New Year.
Best regards, Bazza.
Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Thanks for the Christmas wishes, and yes, it was quite a relief to find out I was being put onto ESA and not Jobseeker's. And, I'm not really a great fan of the Queen either - I don't really see the point of the Royal Family - I just thought mentioning the Christmas message was a way to introduce what I really wnated to talk about. Anyway, I hope you have a good Christmas, and a little more equality makes itself apparent in the New Year.
Very Best Regards,
David.
Your good wishes for Christmas and the New Year are wholly reciprocated, and I hope coming back to rainy, windy, cold England hasn't been too much of a let down post your trip to Oz.
Very Best Chritmas Wishes,
David.
Christmas Messages
Glad you like my little Christmas message, and I hope you have a wondeful Christmas Day and a very Happy New Year.
Very Best Wishes,
David.