Vicky McClure has urged people not to obsess over the idea of Christmas "perfection".
The ‘Line of Duty’ actress has used #YuleSlog – a new campaign launched by Twitter and mental health charity CALM – to encourage conversation about issues surrounding the festive period, and explained that social media isn’t a "true reflection" of real life.
She tweeted: "The pressure to have an amazing Christmas, we all want it to go smoothly, it never does!
"So whatever you see on people’s social media this Christmas, that ‘perfection’ is never a true reflection #yuleslog."
The collaboration between Twitter and CALM comes after research showed 49 per cent of users on the social network said they felt pressured to have fun over Christmas, while 41 per cent experience feelings of loneliness around the festive season.
Data released on Thursday (05.12.19) revealed the main reasons people feel misunderstood or alone at this time of year are the pressure to have a ‘perfect’ Christmas, family struggles and nostalgia for past Christmases.
‘Made In Chelsea’ star Louise Thompson tweeted: "Christmas is widely perceived as ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, and associated with gift giving and celebrations.
"However for some, the festive period exacerbates mental health issues, brings on anxiety, highlights loneliness, or family issues. What’s your #YuleSlog?"
Meanwhile, CALM also created ‘NOEL’, a character with a series of tips to help people cope over Christmas.
These points including saying "no" if you need to, "opening up" about feelings or the chance to try something new, "enjoying what you can" over the festive season, and "looking forward" into January for things to do when December 25th has been and gone.
Vicky McClure says Christmas ‘perfection’ doesn’t exist
