Time to read : 4 Minutes

Feeling lonely this Christmas?

Still experiencing some form of burnout from the months of lockdowns, separations, homeschooling and isolation?

💸 Did you know that mental and financial health are closely linked? And when one falls over the other tends to as well.

🧑🏽‍🎄 Having less money can also affect your ability to join in festive season and buy gifts – two in five of us have decided not to buy anyone anything at all this year.

🔍With this in mind, we thought we’d take a moment to check in and offer some pathways for support in case this doesn’t happen to be the most wonderful time of year for you.

Signs of anxiety or depression

Although symptoms can manifest in a range of ways, some common changes in your behaviour to look out for include:

Interrupted sleep or insomnia.
Feeling sad or low.
Comparing yourself to others in an unhealthy way.
Excessive drinking or eating.
Numbness.
Irritation.

Ways to connect

Family tensions, lack of relationships, financial stress or loss can be exacerbated around Christmas time.

Despite a strong urge to withdraw further at this time of year and in response to those feelings, experts say it's more important than ever to reach out.

🫖 Plan a get together with loved ones. It doesn’t have to be a swish affair — a casual cup of tea is sometimes better than a black tie party.

🎄Plan a “friends” Christmas. They say blood is thicker than water, but it’s important to consider what makes you happy — which relationships are your most positive ones? — and move towards them.

📱Video chat with friends and family who live overseas.

🎁 Send thoughtful gifts or homemade items to people you love.

Volunteering can also help you keep busy and do good at the same time.

Where to find support

If family and friends aren’t an option for you, there are a range of support networks which can help you connect with others or attend gatherings in your local area.

There are also FREE helplines with real people who can simply listen if you want to unload.

The Salvation Army provides gifts, hampers, meals and accommodation to support individuals and families during the Christmas period.
Mission Australia works to alleviate homelessness and provide mental health services, often ramping up support around Christmas.
Wayside Chapel hosts free community lunches in the period leading up to Christmas day for anyone experiencing homelessness or social isolation.

☎️ And, if you just need an open mind and kind ear to listen, please contact one of the organisations below.

Lifeline: 13 11 14.

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800.

SuicideLine: 1300 651 251.