“The Christmas market made me feel dread and panic”

The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is a festive event that citizens from Birmingham and people all over the UK look forward to every year. However, it turns out that not everyone feels the same way.

The market has over 50 stalls filled with Alcoholic festive drinks, food and dessert, snacks, souvenirs, decorations and festive clothing, making it one of the biggest German Markets in the UK.

Based in the city centre of Birmingham, the market attracts hundreds of people each weekend since opening on November 3rd this year.

Due to the heavy crowds of people at the markets, it makes it harder for people with mental health issues and disabilities.

Megan May is a 29-year-old student who has a condition called ‘Functional Neurological Disorder’ which causes her to have seizures.

The seizures can be caused by overly bright lights, sounds and immense crowds.

The Birmingham markets are full of these triggers which makes it difficult for Megan to step outside.

The student explained how she chose to live in the city centre because it's easier for her to get to college and she has quick access to shops as they were all walking distance for her “The Christmas Market is set up right in the middle of town, so it makes it nearly impossible for me to do my weekly shopping and travel to and from college every day.”

“Whilst the market is open, I try not to leave my house after experiencing a seizure which was triggered by the overwhelming crowds.

“And not being able to leave the house had a massive impact on my mental health.”

Although the official Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas market site mentions catering to people with disabilities, it doesn’t mention anything relating to people with unseen disabilities. https://www.thebfcm.co.uk/information/

“I hope the organisers take into consideration those who suffer with unseen disabilities because the markets have a negative impact on our day to day lives.”