With the festive season in full swing, Lifeline South Coast is urging people to look after themselves and their loved ones this Christmas.
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Lifeline South Coast CEO Rachel Norris said while Christmas can be a wonderful time for some, it can be crippling for those with depression or anxiety.
“The social aspect of Christmas can increase the grief of those who have lost a loved one and magnify their sense of loneliness,” she said.
A new Australian Red Cross survey revealed around one in three Australians recall feeling isolated or lonely last festive season.
Of those of who recalled feeling isolated, close to half said it was because friends and family were far away, and four out of ten felt out of place with those nearby.
As Australia turns its focus to reconnecting with friends, family and festive celebrations, the Red Cross has launched its annual Season of Belonging appeal.
Australian Red Cross CEO Judy Slatyer encouraged people to reach out to thse who may be doing it tough this Christmas.
“While many people do feel positive and grateful at this time of year, around 1 in 2 feel they don’t have the same rich social connections that everyone else does,” she said.
“Time and time again our experience shows us that a connected community makes us stronger, more resilient, and more likely to bounce back from adversity. We see that in emergencies when people have someone to call on when disaster strikes.
“Red Cross volunteers will be standing by many Australians on Christmas Day, making phone calls in the morning for the isolated and elderly, through to having lunch with someone who might not have family, to being the person to turn to for help, should disaster strike.”
Lifeline has also put together a few tips to help those struggling over the Christmas period:
- Your Christmas does not have to be perfect to be enjoyable. It is easy to set unrealistically high standards for yourself. Ask yourself “does it really matter if the roast is not done the way my mother did it?”. Relax a little and enjoy the company of the people around you.
- Don’t think you have to enjoy it all the time. Sometimes Christmas can remind us that a special person is no longer with us, and its normal to feel sad about this. Give yourself permission to feel sad at some stage during Christmas.
- Try not to feel over responsible for other people’s enjoyment. Remember, you can only do so much, and, if you think others are not enjoying Christmas as much as they could, that’s their responsibility not yours.
- Don’t feel as though you have to get on with everyone. Sometimes people have hurt us in the past or relationships have broken down so it’s unrealistic that you would get on with them at Christmas.
- Try to eat well and exercise. Try to maintain a balance and know your limits over the festive season. Pace yourself, or head out for a walk to keep yourself feeling great.
- Finances are one of the biggest triggers when it comes to seasonal stress, so don’t make things more difficult by overstretching yourself. Set an achievable budget for gifts, food, and social occasions and don’t let yourself go over it. And remember, you don’t have to spend money to give someone a gift – your time can be just as valuable.
- Take some time for yourself. Often, we are so worried about everyone else that we forget to take a moment for ourselves. Do something YOU enjoy this Christmas.
Ask for help if you need it! Remember if the festive season becomes too stressful or difficult to manage, call Lifeline’s 24- hour telephone crisis service on 13 11 14 to talk to someone who can help. Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis line will be available during Christmas and New Year.
