With the festive season now upon us, it’s important to remember that for many people it can be a time of isolation, disappointment, anxiety or stress. Read our tips to understand how to manage a crisis this festive season.
Avoid the crisis
If you struggle with your mental health, it is important to plan ahead. Be aware of the things that are likely to make you feel more upset or worse, changes in your mood, thoughts, feelings or behaviour and what you can do to help yourself.
Evaluate the situation
What is the nature of your crisis? What are you reacting to? Is it something that requires action or treatment urgently? Sometimes, if you can wait long enough, the urge to act will subside.
Don’t feed the crisis
Step away from the situation and distract yourself. Do things that will take your mind off the situation. Your goal is to move through the crisis without making it worse.
Reach out to others
In difficult times, reaching out to friends, family, and other supports can help. For a list of 24-hour crisis support numbers, please see below.
Take care of yourself
Think about what has helped you in the past and create a “toolbox” of coping strategies. Take action to help yourself and persevere with it. Practicing regular self care is important for maintaining good mental health.
And most importantly, remember that you are not alone!
Helpful numbers:
In an emergency contact 000 (112 for mobiles)
DV Connect Womensline – 1800 811 811
Mensline – 1800 600 636
Sexual Assualt Helpline – 1800 737 732
Child Safety After Hours – 1800 177 135
Homeless Hotline – 1800 474 753
Poisons Helpline – 13 11 26
13HEALTH – 13 43 25 84
Policelink – 131 444
Mental Health crisis numbers:
Mental Health Support Line (MH CALL) 1300 64 22 55
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline (5 – 25 yrs) – 1800 551 800
You can also access our online peer support forum here. If you have a friend or relative who you are concerned about, why not join the forum discussion on 18th December to discuss: What if your loved one becomes unwell during the festive season? This will be from 7pm – 9pm AEDT (if you are in Queensland the time will be 6pm -8pm).