It’s okay to reach out this holiday season - support is available

19 December 2023

The holiday season can be a special time of year, but for some it can be a difficult time and bring a range of emotions.

Family tensions, unrealistic expectations, financial strain and the pressure to conform to societal expectation can intensify struggles, especially for those who are already experiencing distress or mental health concerns.

If this time of year makes you feel down, anxious or stressed, then you are not alone. Taking care of yourself can help prevent these emotions from becoming overwhelming.

According to Jo Riley, Program Manager of Suicide Prevention South Eastern NSW, a number of stressors can add to distress or push a person to crisis point during Christmas and New Year.

“Things like family tensions, excessive alcohol consumption, loneliness, isolation and money worries can rise to the surface and make people feel worse around the holiday season.

“It’s important for people to know there is help available if they are struggling. Reaching out can be tough, but getting things out in the open can help,” said Ms Riley.

Head to Health is a free service that will connect you to mental health support in your area. When you call 1800 595 212 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm, excluding public holidays), you’ll talk to a friendly mental health professional who will take the time to understand your needs and find support that is right for you.

As you plan this holiday season, your wellbeing should be at the top of your list.

If you or a loved one need crisis support, you can call one of the following services which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

  • Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
  • Lifeline on 13 11 14
  • NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
  • Beyond Blue Support line: 1300 224 636
  • Domestic and Family Violence Support Line: 1800 RESPECT
  • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
  • If someone is injured or at immediate risk, call 000 immediately.

Translating and Interpreting Service 
For callers who require a translating or interpreting service. Phone 13 14 50 and ask them to contact the phone number of the service you want to get in touch with.

National relay service 
For callers who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment.
• TTY/Voice Calls: Phone 133 677 and ask them to contact the number you want.
• Speak and Listen: Phone 1300 555 727 and ask them to contact the number you want.

 

Service

Christmas Closure

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders mental health services

Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service (IAMS)

(02) 4229 9495

Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 8 January

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders Mental Health Services

(ITC Program)

Katungul

1800 804 201

Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 1 January

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders Mental Health Services

South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation

(02) 4448 0200

Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 1 January

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders Mental Health Services

Waminda

1800 997 330 & 1800 953 736 (After Hours Support)

Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 8 January – limited phone supports available

Commonwealth Psychosocial Support (CPS) Program

Flourish

1300 779 270

Monday 25 Dec – Closed

Tuesday 26 Dec – Closed              

Wednesday 27 Dec – 8am-4:30pm

Thursday 28 Dec – 8am-4:30pm

Friday 29 Dec – 8am-4:30pm

Monday 1 Jan – Closed

Commonwealth Psychosocial Support (CPS) Program

Neami National

Monday 25 Dec – Closed

Tuesday 26 Dec – Closed

Wednesday 27 Dec – 8:30am-5:00pm

Thursday 28 Dec – 8:30am-5:00pm

Friday 29 Dec – 8:30am-5:00pm

Monday 1 Jan – Closed

Commonwealth Psychosocial Support (CPS) Program

One Door Mental Health

1800 843 539

Monday 25 Dec – Closed

Tuesday 26 Dec – Closed

Wednesday 27 Dec – 9am-5pm

Thursday 28 Dec – 9am-5pm

Friday 29 Dec – 9am-5pm

Monday 1 Jan – Closed

Commonwealth Psychosocial Support (CPS) Program

The Disability Trust

1300 347 224

Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 1 January

On call services available

Complex Mental Health Services

Grand Pacific Health (GPH)

(02) 4220 7600

Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 1 January

C2bMe

Uniting

1800 422 263

Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 1 January

Drug and Alcohol Brokerage and Community Support Program

Waminda

1800 997 330 & 1800 953 736 (After Hours Support)

Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 8 January – limited phone supports available

Headspace

·       Headspace Batemans Bay (RACR)

·       Headspace Queanbeyan (Marathon Health)

·       Headspace Bega, Goulburn, Nowra, Wollongong and Yass (GPH)

 

To get support with your mental health during centre closures, visit headspace.org.au to create a headspace account.

 

You can speak to someone 1- on-1 via online chat, email or over the phone on 1800 650 890.

Monday 25 Dec – Closed

Tuesday 26 Dec – Closed

Wednesday 27 Dec – Closed

Thursday 28 Dec – Closed

Friday 29 Dec – Closed

Monday 1 Jan – Closed

Batemans Bay closed until 8 January

Queanbeyan closed from 12pm on Friday 22 December

Head to Health and Mental Health Hubs

1800 595 212

(8:30am to 5pm, weekdays)

 

·      Moruya Head to Health (GPH)

·      Shellharbour Head to Health (GPH)

·      Bega MH Hub (Directions)

·      Goulburn MH Hub (FSA)

·      Queanbeyan MH Hub (Flourish)

·      Shoalhaven MH Hub (Anglicare)

·      Wollongong MH Hub (Stride)

Monday 25 Dec – Closed

Tuesday 26 Dec – Closed

Wednesday 27 Dec – Closed

Thursday 28 Dec – Closed

Friday 29 Dec – Closed

Monday 1 Jan – Closed

 

All hubs closed from 23 December to Tuesday 2 January

Low Intensity Psychological Therapies – NewAccess

Wellways

1300 111 400

 

 

Monday 25 Dec – Closed

Tuesday 26 Dec – Closed

Wednesday 27 Dec – 9am-5pm

Coaches – 8am-8pm

Thursday 28 Dec – 9am-5pm

Coaches – 8am-8pm

Friday 29 Dec – 9am-5pm

Coaches - 8am-6pm

Monday 1 Jan – Closed

Nana Muru

Lives Lived Well

1300 727 957

Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 8 January – limited phone supports available

NSW Pandemic Recovery Access Initiative

Grand Pacific Health (GPH)

(02) 4220 7600

Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 1 January

Pathways Shoalhaven (Alcohol and Other Drug Services)

The Salvation Army

0439 106 025 or 0417 736 697  

 

Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 8 January – limited phone supports available

Psychological Therapies

Grand Pacific Health (GPH)

(02) 4220 7600

Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 1 January

Rural Outreach Mental Health Service

The Trustee for Saint Patricks Trust

(02) 4421 7525

 

 

Monday 25 Dec – Closed

Tuesday 26 Dec – Closed

Wednesday 27 Dec – 8am-5pm

Thursday 28 Dec – 8am-5pm

Friday 29 Dec – 8am-5pm

Monday 1 Jan – Closed

Sapphire Health & Wellbeing Service

Directions Health Services

 

For Pathways Eurobodalla, Pathways Monaro, Sapphire Health & Wellbeing Service or Bega Mental Health Hub, call 0409 339 517.

 

For Pathways Murrumbidgee or Pathways Goulburn, call 0409 245 148.

Monday 25 Dec – Closed

Tuesday 26 Dec – Closed

Wednesday 27 Dec – Closed

Thursday 28 Dec – Closed

Friday 29 Dec – Closed

Monday 1 Jan – Closed

Phone support will be available from 9am - 5pm on the 27, 28 and 29 December.

Social Prescribing

Primary Care Community Services

(02) 9477 8700

 

 

Monday 25 Dec – Closed

Tuesday 26 Dec – Closed

Wednesday 27 Dec – 9am -5pm

Thursday 28 Dec – 9am -5pm

Friday 29 Dec – 9am - 5pm

Monday 1 Jan – Closed

Suicide Prevention Aftercare

Grand Pacific Health (GPH)

(02) 4220 7600

Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 1 January

Mental health,