Across much of the world, December and January are special. The change of year, the change of season, the sense of renewal – it’s no coincidence that this period contains special days for most people, religious or secular.
These days can be fun, or sacred, or both. But they can also be highly stressful, triggering, trauma-inducing and utterly exhausting.
Self-management and self-care are critical to making it through the holiday season full of good cheer and in one piece.
So here is our handy list of tips and tricks for taking care of your mental health this season – provided by the good folk at North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network.
Take it a day at a time
For some people, this is the season of the invitation. You might be invited to work events, family events, sporting club events, social club events, street parties – all sorts of jolly occasions. And that can be fantastic, but it can also be completely draining. Too much of a good thing can leave people tired and cranky – whether or not alcohol is involved.
Think carefully about how many get-togethers you want to go to, and try to make sure you leave yourself a day or two to rest up and recover between gigs. So maybe you miss out on seeing your cricket mates at the clubhouse this year. It’s ok. They’ll understand.
Keep it nice
At this time of year, we’re all people-pleasers, which means declining an invitation for a gathering of friends or family can feel challenging. We don’t want to disappoint, after all. But sometimes we have to. And here’s the thing: saying no politely, kindly, and openly makes the whole process easier for everyone involved. (And if someone gets angry because you’ve gently declined their invitation, well, that rather suggests you’ve made the right decision … )
Not all friendly families are family-friendly
We live in a world where the concept of family is often portrayed as central and supportive. Family is everything, we hear. Family comes first.
Sometimes it is, and sometimes it does. But not all families are sweet like sitcoms. Sometimes there can be conflict, or isolation, or judgement.
Your mental and physical health are more important than once-a-year family obligations. Don’t be afraid to turn down invitations if the thought of attending doesn’t fill you with joy.
Being alone and being lonely are different things
Sometimes the public holidays or employment shutdowns that happen over the season are a glorious excuse to spend some time in solitude, and that’s a wonderful thing. Sometimes, though, for people who for whatever reason have few social connections, they can be a time of loneliness and sorrow. But they can also be a good opportunity to build and find new connections.
Many community centres, neighbourhood houses, faith organisations, libraries and other places put on free events at this time of year. It can be fun, doing a bit of research, learning where and when these are happening, taking a deep breath and attending. True, it might require some new-found confidence to attend – but, equally, it might be the start of new friendships and new adventures.
Reach out, people will listen
The holiday season can be difficult, and sometimes all you want is someone to talk to, to explain how you feel. Friends and family can sometimes provide help – but sometimes too it’s good to reach out to others.
Medicare Mental Health is a free national service that can help you find the help you need, in the right place at the right time. Dedicated mental health counsellors will talk with you and link you with the most appropriate service to provide you with support and care.
You can make contact through the website – medicarementalhealth.gov.au – or make a free call on 1800 595 212 between 8.30am – 5pm weekdays (except public holidays).
If it all gets too much
If you feel overwhelmed, help is available, right now.
Here are some options for immediate support:
Lifeline – call 13 11 14 for this free, Australia-wide crisis support and suicide prevention service
Suicide Call Back Service – call 1300 659 467 for this free service for people having suicidal thoughts or for family or friends affected by suicide
SuicideLine – call 1300 651 251 for free and anonymous support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week across Victoria
13YARN – call 13 92 76 to reach this free crisis support line for First Nations people.
Kids Help Line – call 1800 55 1800 for free counselling for young people between the ages of five and 25
Mensline Australia – call 1300 78 99 78 to access this free telephone support service for men with family and relationship issues
Poisons Information – call 131 126 if you have overdosed or been poisoned or made a mistake with your medications.
