Christmas decorations, Christmas decorations and Christmas music in shops and grocery stores build up expectations of community with family and relatives for several weeks before Christmas. But for many, it is not as you imagined. On the contrary, Christmas Eve can be a long torment and the worst day of the year, for children and adults alike.

- We know that during Christmas there will be increased alcohol consumption, high expectations of happy togetherness, but also that many feel lonely. You can also be among people and yet feel very lonely, says Johannes Nordholm, activity coordinator at psychiatry at the Eastern Hospital.

Seasonal Depression

But it is only after the Christmas holidays that psychiatric activities can see increased pressure. Johannes Nordholm believes that it is also, to a certain extent, seasonal, when the winter darkness subsides it can cause depression.

The reports of mental illness have been many in recent years. More than twice as many young people today suffer from mental illness compared to ten years ago, according to the National Board of Health's report from last year.

Mental ill health is about loneliness

In a constituency at the psychiatric reception at the Eastern Hospital, adults can manifest their mental ill health. Loneliness is prominent, says Johannes Nordholm.

- The loneliness many people feel is very serious. I would say that all mental health, even though there are biological causes, is basically a kind of loneliness. Being outside social context and community.