Festive season and holiday “Blues”

Festive season and holiday “Blues”

Published on 13 December 2022

How to stay well over the holiday period and where to find help and support when you need it.

For many people, days such as Christmas are wonderful occasions, with BBQs, friends, concerts, outings and holidays. But for many others these days can be a very lonely and difficult as they can magnify financial issues, family conflict, loneliness, grief and can also increase stress for people with any emotional hardship, anxiety or depression.

If you are one of the many of us who find these times difficult, for whatever reason, you do not need to be alone, there is help and support available to you.

“We need to check in on ourselves and be honest with how we feel. We can be too proud, embarressed or shy or don’t want to burden others to ask for an ear or to seek the help that we need,” said Mayor Pat Bourke.

Simply being honest with ourselves, something that we all find so difficult, actually makes such a big difference. It allows us to step forward onto a path that provides the support and direction we need and ultimately one that can help to make a positive change for ourselves.

“What is the old saying, sharing our troubles is a problem halved”.

If you are feeling like you may need help and support, or you have a friend or family member who does, local organisations have welcoming, understanding and caring people and services who are there to assist you, it just takes one phone call.

There are several support services and community programs and networks available to the local community within the Federation Council area.

“Please make contact with one, and if it isn’t the right one, they will help point you in the right direction,” said Mayor Bourke.

“Importantly, don’t forget to check in on your mates, family members and co-workers,” said Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke.

Local support services and networks are available to the local community can be found listed in the find following links:

Wayahead

Community Support and Helplines

Also, a number of 24 hour help lines operating over the holiday season are available, including:

Lifeline 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Line 1800 659 467 BeyondBlue 1300 224 636 Mensline 1300 789 978 KidsHelpline 1800 551 800 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732.

Tips for staying well over the holiday period:

Concentrate on what you are grateful for. Manage your own expectations. Avoid all the hype and pull back from anything when you feel the need. Stay connected to others, reach out. Check in on your moods. Please ask for help, whether on-line, phone or in-person support services.