Why Is Christmas So Hard on Mental Health for Hospitality Workers?
Christmas comes with expectations. Joy. Togetherness. Celebration.
For many hospitality professionals, it also comes with exhaustion, isolation, and the emotional whiplash of caring for others while quietly running on empty.
In an upcoming Talking Hospitality Christmas episode, Rachel Kerr-Lapsley, Managing Director of Kelly’s Cause, explains something vital:
"You don’t always notice your mental health slipping when you’re in constant ‘push mode’. It often hits when everything finally stops."
Why December is a pressure point
Rachel highlights what many leaders miss:
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Warning signs are masked by adrenaline
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Healthy routines disappear first (sleep, food, movement)
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Alcohol becomes an easy shortcut to switching off
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When the rush ends, everything catches up at once
This is why access to support during Christmas matters — not just after.
Support that stays open
Kelly’s Cause provides practical mental health resources across the UK, Ireland, and the US throughout the festive period.
Support includes:
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Crisis lines
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Anxiety and panic resources
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Substance misuse support
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Domestic violence and housing help
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Men’s mental health services
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All of this information is available during the holidays, even when many services close.
Kellys Cause Mental Health Support Resources
Rachel also reminds us that:
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Samaritans (116 123)
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SHOUT (text 85258)
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NHS 111, press 2
are all available 24/7 — including Christmas Day.
A leadership responsibility
Sharing resources isn’t overstepping. Sometimes you’re the only person holding that information.
Post it. Share it. Mention it in briefings. Normalise it.
You won’t know who needs it — and that’s the point.
Talking Hospitality exists to share real experiences, practical learning, and honest conversations that help hospitality professionals lead better, work smarter, and look after themselves and their teams.
Host & Founder
(Host, 2020– ) Timothy R. Andrews has spent over two decades in hospitality, beginning by collecting glasses in bars and steadily working his way up. After founding and leading a successful recruitment and training business for luxury, 4-star, and 5-star markets for 16 years, Timothy now serves as Head of Talent for Jumeirah Hotels London.
Beyond Jumeirah, Timothy hosts Talking Hospitality, a podcast known for its direct approach to industry issues and practical advice. Each episode tackles real challenges in hospitality today, with guest experts who offer solutions that can be put into action. Through Educating Hospitality, he also provides carefully selected industry-specific training courses that align with podcast topics, helping listeners stay up-to-date and gain practical skills.
Timothy’s work extends into community initiatives as well, including his impactful efforts to support Ukrainian refugees. From guiding them through the complexities of life in the UK to securing jobs, accommodations, and essential services, Timothy’s dedication reflects a belief that hospitality extends beyond the workplace.
Whether listeners want to stay updated on industry trends or learn what’s working in hospitality leadership, Talking Hospitality offers a fresh, entertaining perspective—and is Timothy’s way of giving back to the sector he cares deeply about.
The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of Timothy Andrews and do not reflect the opinions or positions of Jumeirah or any associated brands. Timothy Andrews is speaking in his persona… Read More
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