Tips for managing a crisis
this festive season

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. 

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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).