Christmas is meant to be a time of joy, but it can also be a time of stress, anxiety or loneliness for many people. The holiday season often comes with high expectations of happy families enjoying luxury gifts and celebrations, but not all of us are able to live up to these ideals.
For those who have recently lost a loved one, Christmas can intensify feelings of grief. Some people experience isolation, financial pressure or family conflict, which can make this a very stressful time of year. However, there are steps you can take to help manage stress and anxiety during the festive period.
If you are feeling lonely
Connecting with friends and family is at the heart of Christmas, but if your family is scattered or doesn’t get together, make a plan to share your day with others who might be in the same position as you.
Think ahead about who you are spending Christmas with. If you are going to be alone and would like company, ask your friends or neighbours in advance if they want to come together.
Many local organisations provide a Christmas Day meal for the community. You might like to attend and enjoy the celebrations, or volunteer for the day.
If you are feeling stressed or anxious
Work out what causes your stress by reflecting on your triggers and avoiding them. Think about what makes you happy and what nourishes you.
If you are drinking alcohol
It’s easy to get caught up in festive activities. Sometimes a drink or two may feel like a solution to a problem, but it only helps temporarily. Drinking can create more problems for your physical and mental health. Consider the effects you are looking for (sedation or stimulation) and whether you can achieve them in other ways.
If you need support, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 to talk things through. If you or someone you know is at risk of hurting themselves or someone else, call triple zero (000). If you are concerned about your mental health, or the mental health of someone you know, call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 to speak to a clinician.
Do you need medical help right now?
Green Square Urgent Care Centre is located at 4/965 Bourke St, Waterloo, and is open seven days a week, 8 am to 8 pm, including public holidays. You can book online, call, or attend walk-in appointments. The service is free for people with a Medicare card and for community-based asylum seekers.
Urgent care provides medical attention within 2–12 hours for an illness or injury that is not life-threatening. If you need help faster than this (within two hours), your situation could be a life-threatening emergency. Call triple zero (000) or visit your nearest emergency department.
If you are unsure whether your care is urgent, call the Healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222.
