Navigating Mental Health During the Holidays:

The holiday season brings a unique blend of joy and challenge. While it's a time for celebration and togetherness for many, it can also be a period of stress, anxiety, or grief for others. This blog explores how people can navigate these complex emotions during the holidays with the help of various mental health resources.

Section 1: Understanding Grief and sudden Loss During the Holidays

For those facing the holiday season after the loss of a loved one, the festive cheer can feel overwhelming. Finding the right support is crucial:

1. Beyond Blue - Grief, Loss and Mental Health: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/grief-and-loss

2. GriefLink - Dealing with Sudden or Unexpected Death: https://grieflink.org.au/factsheets/grief-following-sudden-or-unexpected-death/

3. Wellways KIT - Dealing with Devastating Events: https://kit.wellways.org/looking-after-your-mental-health/dealing-with-devastating-events

4. Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network - Supporting Communities: https://mphn.org.au/supporting-murrumbidgee-communities

Section 2: Managing Holiday-Related Anxiety

The Black Dog Institute offers several articles to manage holiday stress:

1. Tips to Tackle Common Holiday Worries: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/tips-to-tackle-common-holiday-worries/

2. 10 Tips to Reduce Stress This Holiday Season: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/10-tips-to-reduce-stress-this-holiday-season-after-a-difficult-year/

3. 11 Ways to Improve Your Wellbeing: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/11-ways-to-reduce-your-worries-and-improve-your-wellbeing-this-holiday-season/

Section 3: Regional Mental Health Resources

Murrumbidgee Accessline : 1800 800 944

Lifeline: 13 11 114

Mensline 1300 78 99 78

Kids Helpline (ages 5-25) : 1800 55 1800

Eheadspace (ages 12-25) : 1800 650 890

13 YARN (First Nations): 13 92 76

Open Arms (Veterans) : 1800 011 527

QLife (LGBTQIA+) :1800 184 527

In an emergency 000

Connect with local services

Map My Recovery https://mapmyrecovery.org.au/

Mental Health guidance and advice

Head to Health https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/

1800 595 212

Conclusion:

The holiday season brings joy and challenges alike. It's crucial to be aware of our mental health needs and seek support when necessary. These resources are here to help you through difficult times.