For many people, the festive season is a time for connecting with family and friends while reflecting on the year that’s been. However, not everyone has the support network to make the Christmas period a joyous one.
Isolation and financial stress can impact people’s mental health, leading to feelings of disconnection and an increase in depression and anxiety.
These holidays, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) and headspace Cairns are encouraging anyone who feels like they are struggling over Christmas to prioritise finding someone to talk to about it.
RFDS Manager – Central West and Outback Mental Health Donna Ross said it is a really tough time for many people, particularly those in remote parts of the state.
“If your nearest neighbour is hundreds of kilometres away, it’s not that easy to drop in for a cuppa.
“What we encourage people to do is pick up the phone and chat to a friend, a family member or anyone you know and tell them how you’re feeling.
“That first step is so important in getting someone on the right track towards the help they need.
While many services may be closed during the holidays, headspace will be operating eheadspace every day between 3:00pm and 10:00pm to connect young people with trained mental health clinicians for support.
Manager of headspace Cairns Helen Isenhour said it was important to realise that a range of factors can put people under significant mental health pressure.
“It’s not a great time for a lot of young people across Australia despite the advertising and imagery we all see on TV and social media,” Helen said.
“It’s important to acknowledge if you are feeling low during the holiday season, proactively undertake strategies that can improve your mental health.
“That includes prioritising activities that make you feel positive, finding time to catch up with friends and family, creating new connections or trying new things.
“The bottom line is to be kind to yourself.
“We understand that for some young people, this is really hard, and we suggest those who are struggling seek out support from family and friends, their GP, or organisations like headspace.
“The first step is to seek someone to talk to.”
RFDS Manager Far North Mental Health Jos Middleton knows how important it is to look out for each other.
“The communities we support are already isolated, so it’s important that those who live there remember to prioritise their own needs. Self care isn’t selfish,” Jos said
“Whether it’s the RFDS team, or another service provider, it’s important people know there is help out there, but it’s also worth considering who are my supports, who can I rely upon or call on when times are tough.
“If an individual is struggling to identify supports, perhaps it’s worth considering how they can develop a support network, by getting involved in community, maybe taking up a new hobby or volunteering, while also remembering that Lifeline
and 13Yarn are always available for people 24 hours a day.”
For further information about headspace support services, click here. For further information about RFDS Mental Health and Wellbeing services, click here.
