FAR from experiencing peace and goodwill at Christmas, nearly half of men admit to feeling sad or depressed, a study by the Samaritans has revealed.
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An online survey carried out by the charity discovered 48 per cent of men said they were sad or depressed at Christmas time.
Of the 140 interviewed, about 45 per cent said they felt more worried during the festive season than other times of year, 37 per cent admit to feeling lonely, 30 per cent were stressed and anxious and 45 per cent said they felt pressure to be happy when they were not.
Nigel, a volunteer in one of the Samaritan's 201 branches, said the charity was already starting to take calls from people feeling under pressure.
"Christmas can be a poignant time, bringing issues people face all year round to the surface, and can leave those normally strong enough to cope, struggling to do so," he said.
"It's so important that we are able to help these people through the festive season."
