MAINTAINING MENTAL HEALTH OVER THE HOLIDAYS

The festive season is supposed to be a time of happiness, food, family, laughter and celebration.

However, for a large proportion of Australians, negative thoughts and feelings can be exacerbated around Christmas and the New Year period. Feelings of anxiety, sadness and stress are very normal around the festive season.

For whatever reason this may be, it is important to be aware of the fact that you or those around you may be struggling.

Even the cheeriest of your friends and family may feel down this festive season. (iStock)

Relationship breakdowns or estrangements, stress around festive season expectations, unhealthy relationships with family or friends, or missing loved ones - whether they’re interstate or overseas, or whether they have passed away - despite the reason, negative feelings often come with the season.

Single parents may feel that they are competing with ex-partners for their children’s attention and affections. You may have a tense relationship with a parent, sibling or other family member that you know you will be seeing over Christmas. Children of divorce or separation may be trying to please both of their parents to their own detriment. You may be stressed about finances, shopping, gifting and organised celebrations.

There are a variety of ways to help yourself and others to ward off negative emotion and ensure your mental wellbeing this holiday period - Lifeline and the Black Dog Institute have some tips.

If you feel you may be vulnerable to negative emotions or ill mental health this festive season:

Set expectations and standards: whether it be related to spending limits on gifts, food and drink to bring to lunches or dinners, start and end times of events and so on.

Avoid known triggers: if you have family or friends that you know bring up touchy subjects of conversation, it may help to set boundaries and advise them that potentially controversial topics such as politics are to be avoided. If excessive alcohol or food has historically been an issue for you, perhaps try to moderate your consumption, or advise a trusted friend or family member to help you to pace yourself.

Feelings of stress, anxiety, sadness and isolation are normal during the holiday period, but you don't have to manage it alone. (iStock)

Try to reach out to loved ones you trust: if you are feeling vulnerable or isolated, phone or message a trusted family member or friend and let them know that you may need support or extra love around this time of year.

Volunteer your time and services: spending some time helping others will make you feel good. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated and tangible good will be done. Get involved with charitable societies such as Foodbank, the Salvation Army, City Mission and A Real Meal to help feed people and provide company for others who may be lonely and isolated. Organisations such as the RSPCA and other animal shelters also need assistance over the festive season, which is deeply rewarding.

Look after your body and mind: make sure you eat properly and drink plenty of water, and establish regular sleep routines to ensure you can rest and recharge properly. Take some deep breaths, do some stretching, listen to some music or expel some energy with exercise.

Keep an eye on vulnerable loved ones as well as staying aware of your own emotions. (iStock)

If you know someone that may be vulnerable this festive season:

Touch base with friends and family that you know may be experiencing isolation or negative emotions. If you know they have lost or are missing loved ones, if they have strained relationships with family and friends, if their mental wellbeing may be worsening, reach out with a simple phone call or message.

Lifeline launched its Christmas campaign ‘Between the Lines’ in December 2019, which aimed

to reassure anyone facing difficulties or hard times that Lifeline is available around the clock, day and night, 365 days a year.

Whether it be 2am on Christmas Eve or in the minutes ticking down to the New Year, Lifeline is available to provide support and guidance to anyone who needs it.

Speak to your GP or health professional if you need help, or utilise 24/7 support services.

If you or someone else are in immediate danger, phone 000.

Lifeline: phone 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114 or visit www.lifeline.org.au.

Beyond Blue: phone 1300 224 636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au.

Kids Helpline: phone 1800 551 800 or visit www.kidshelpline.com.au.

MensLine Australia: phone 1300 789 978 or visit www.mensline.com.au.

Black Dog Institute: visit www.blackdoginstitute.org.au.