What can you do to support people through what may be the most difficult time of year?
Christmas is often labelled as the most wonderful time of year, as we are bombarded by marketing and imagery every which way we turn. Everyone just seems so happy and ecstatic. However let’s not forget that for some this is further from the truth. For it is a time of year when what we don’t have, what we have lost or what we are missing can sometimes feel magnified. It can in fact be the loneliest and saddest time of the year for some. Consider the person who lost of loved one this past year, the person who is spending Christmas without their family or someone that has had a particularly challenging year.
So as many of us begin to get sucked into the Christmas vortex and the associated holidays, here are some ways you can support those who may be not be experiencing the most wonderful time of the year.
1. Reach out – Connect with them in whatever means works and let them know they are important to you, and that you are there for them. In particular connect with them on Christmas Day.
2. Do something small – Whether it is a Christmas gift, message or card something small can really show someone that they are not alone.
3. Make plans – invite the person over and for whatever reasons if you can’t include them in your Christmas plans arrange to do something with them afterwards. Celebrate a different date.
Resources and support
Australia –
Lifelife: 13 11 14, Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800, QLife: 1800 184 527
Beyond Blue (https://www.beyondblue.org.au) provides nationwide information and support regarding anxiety, depression, and suicide. Helpline can be reached by calling 1300 22 4636, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
United States –
The Crisis Text Line (crisistextline.org) is the only 24/7, nationwide crisis-intervention text-message hotline.
The Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting HOME to 741-741.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.
the psych view by SAM MARCHETTA 