ITV's resident Doctor Amir Khan has issued a strong message on his social media. Ahead of December 25, he said there's one message he wants people to remember.

In his Instagram post, the expert said the message is for "women who are holding it together for Christmas." He said: "Every year around Christmas, I see the same thing in clinic. Women who are exhausted, emotional rundown and quietly asking themselves 'why can’t I cope' and the answer is there’s nothing wrong with you.

"Christmas burnout hits women harder because it isn’t just about food or money or time, it’s about responsibility. Women are still expected to carry Christmas, to plan it, remember it, feel it, to anticipate everyone's needs, their gifts, meals, family dynamics, emotions - often without being asked."

The NHS GP, often featured on ITV talk shows, such as Lorraine, Loose Women and This Morning, added: "There’s also a huge social expectation to make Christmas magical. To host, to cook, to keep the peace, to look like you’re enjoying it even when you are exhausted.

"Now layer onto that the hormones, PMS, perimenopause, menopause, and stress hormones like cortisol, which stay high all day long.

"That affects sleep, mood, appetite, patience - everything. So if you’re more tearful, more irritable, craving sugar or just feeling overwhelmed, that’s not weakness, that’s biology colliding with social pressure."

To conclude his message, he stressed: "You are not broken. That’s the part I really want women to hear. You’re not required to be perfect this Christmas. You don’t have to hold everything together.

"You don’t have to make it magical at your own expense. Lowering the bar isn’t failing; it's self-protection.

"Rest isn’t laziness, saying no is not selfish. If Christmas feels heavy this year, you are not broken, you’re not doing anything wrong, you are just human - and sometimes the healthiest thing that you can do is to do less and let that be enough."

In the comment section, many wrote that they have been affected by this in the past, with many still feeling it today, just days before December 25.

One woman said: "Dr Amir, thank you for seeing us, for understanding and for putting into words how we feel at this time of the year."

Another wrote: "Thank you so much for this post Amir. You really do have a truly perfect soul. Although this time of year is magical, it’s also so very stressful.

"There are so many mixed emotions too, thinking of Christmas’s gone by and family and friends who are no longer with us. Thank you for being the amazing human you are. We love you."

Meanwhile, a third shared: "I decided a few years back not to do it all. We go away just our little family. Never been better. Self isn't selfish."

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According to the BMA, the first step in taking better care of yourself is to acknowlege if you have burnout or could soon face burnout. The signs can be physical, emotional and behavioural, and could include any of the following:

• Fatigue


• Poor concentration


• Lack of energy and effectiveness


• Cynicism


• Detachment


• Frustration and irritability


• Substance misuse


• Lower work standards


• Changes in - and inappropriate - behaviour

It warns: "This list is not exhaustive and if you are just not feeling yourself, it is important to acknowledge this."

Asking people to seek help, experts at the NHS' Keeping Well say that they are there to help support you. Get in touch with them by one of the method below:

• Telephone: 0300 123 1705


• Email: keepingwell.nwl@nhs.net


• Complete a self-referral form here