Tis’ the season to be jolly, but for some, the holidays can be difficult.
The last two years have significantly impacted many people in our North Coast community. No matter how you have been impacted, your mental health and wellbeing is important.
With the holiday season upon us, here are some helpful tips to keep the focus on your own mental health and wellbeing.
Connect
Being connected with loved ones, friends and neighbours is important. Make sure to spend time with people where you can or make a phone call. If you can’t physically be with your loved ones, you could also enjoy virtual holiday celebrations!
Be open
Talk to those around you or phone a support line if you need to share how you’re feeling. It’s important to let things out and not hold them in.
Focus on the positive
Don’t let negative thoughts rule your mind this holiday season. Where you can, think of the positive things in your life or that have happened throughout the year. This could be listing three things you’re grateful for – no matter how small – when you are feeling overwhelmed.
Move your body
Exercise is important for our overall wellbeing but also our mindset. Take a walk around the block, visit the local pool or beach for a swim, find an online workout video or meet a friend for exercise. If you’re moving, you’re one step closer!
Reduce stress
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reduce stress where you can. There is no need to put on a big feast if it will negatively impact your wellbeing. Ask people to help you where they can by cooking a meal, bringing a dessert or helping you with the tidy up.
Make time
Focus on things that bring you joy and relaxation. This may be sitting in the sun with a book, going for a walk, sitting in a bath or some other self-care. It’s important when we feel overwhelmed to take a deep breath and find something healthy and safe that will help you in that moment.
Mental health support services
A number of organisations offer support and education for people with mental ill-health, their families and carers throughout Australia.
Healthy North Coast has compiled a list of mental health support services you can reach out to over the festive season.
Healthy North Coast-funded service connecting you to mental health support, information, diagnosis and treatment advice, including prescriptions.
Available Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm.
Closed public holidays.
Suicide Call Back Service
Support for anyone thinking about suicide.
1300 659 467
Lifeline
Support for anyone having a personal crisis.
13 11 14
Beyond Blue
Support for anyone feeling anxious or depressed.
1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline
Counselling for young people aged 5 to 25.
1800 55 1800
MensLine Australia
Support for men with emotional or relationship concerns.
mensline.org.au
1300 78 99 78
Open Arms
Counselling for veterans and their families.
1800 011 046
Mental Health Line – NSW Health
Offers mental health professionals who will assist by asking questions to determine if you or, the person you are concerned about, needs ongoing mental health care and how urgently it is needed.
1800 011 511
1800 Respect
Sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced or is at risk of family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
1800 737 732
Alcohol Drug Information Service NSW
Support with own or another person’s alcohol and other drugs use, including information, counselling and referral to services in NSW. Webchat also available from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm including public holidays.
1800 250 015
Blue Knot Foundation Helpline
Support, education and resources for the families and communities of adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Available 7 days a week between 9 am and 5 pm, including public holidays.
1300 657 380
[email protected]
Butterfly Foundation’s National Helpline
Confidential service that provides information, counselling and treatment referral for people with eating disorders and body image and related issues. Available 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week, via phone, online chat or email. Closed public holidays.
1800 33 4673
[email protected]
Counselling Online
Predominately online counselling for people concerned with their own or others AOD use. Other avenues for support are: support by email, tools such as self-assessments and self-help modules, an SMS service to keep people focused and on track, an online community forum to connect with peers for support.
eheadspace
Online and telephone support and counselling to young people aged 12 to 25 and their families and friends. Available 9 am – 1 am, 7 days a week, chat online or email including public holidays.
1800 650 890
FriendLine
Supports anyone who’s feeling lonely, needs to reconnect or just wants a chat. Phone or chat online with trained volunteers. All conversations with FriendLine are anonymous. Available 7 days a week from 10 am to 8pm, including public holidays.
1800 424 287
MindSpot
Telephone and online service for people with anxiety, stress, low mood or depression. It provides online assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression. MindSpot is not an emergency or instant response service. Closed public holidays.
1800 614 434
QLife
Telephone and web-based services for peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Available 3 pm – 12 am, 7 days a week including public holidays.
1800 184 527
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
Supports women, men and families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood. Available 9 am – 7:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Closed public holidays.
1300 726 306
SANE Australia
Support for anyone in Australia affected by complex mental health issues, as well as their friends, family members and health professionals. Phone or chat online, 10 am – 10pm, Monday to Friday including public holidays.
1800 18 7263