For many people, the holiday season is a joyous time spent with family and friends.
For many others, it can be an especially vulnerable, stressful and isolating time.
Melissa Ferris is a Community Engagement Officer at the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Melton. She says many people experience psychological distress at this time of year, but there are some solutions we can all adopt to practice self-care and look after our mental wellbeing.
“It’s important to remember you’re not alone – there are many people who find this time of year tricky, and others who don’t like it at all,” Melissa said.
“If you are feeling lonely or distressed, there’s always someone available to listen. Whether it’s a friend, someone you work with, someone you live near or support services in your community, like your nearest Mental Health and Wellbeing Local.”
Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals support Victorians aged 26 years and over to get mental health and wellbeing care and support closer to home. All support is free, voluntary and easy to access, and you do not need a referral from your doctor to access help.
Mind Australia is the lead provider for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals in Melton, Dandenong and Bendigo/Echuca. At these Locals, you can find the support that’s right for you, from mental health nurses, peer workers, social workers, drug and alcohol practitioners, and more. Interpreters are also available, ensuring everyone has access to the support they need and deserve.
Mind’s Health and Wellbeing Locals are here to help, even throughout the holiday season. Telehealth and telephone support is available Monday to Friday (10am to 8pm), and Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 4pm. For more information call:
- Dandenong – (03) 8908 1800
- Bendigo – (03) 5497 5600
- Echuca – (03) 5412 6600
- Melton – (03) 8732 3200.
Melissa’s top tips for taking care of yourself during the festive season:
- Social media detox – stop the doom-scrolling and take a screen break.
- Choose small, achievable tasks to work towards. This may give you a sense of accomplishment when life is feeling a bit overwhelming.
- Manage your expectations and practice being kind to yourself. Whether it’s socially, financially or how you’re using your time, remember not to over-do it and risk burning yourself out.
- Prioritise sleep. Put your phone down an hour before bed to help your brain switch-off and to ensure a good night’s rest.
- Put a self-care reminder list on your fridge or next to your bed. Your self-care list might include activities that calm, restore or energise you, such as reading, exercising, drawing or listening to music.
- Breathing exercises – practicing breathing is a great way to calm your nervous system, but remember to exhale as long as you inhale!
- Speak to someone you haven’t heard from in a while – the end of the year is a great time to reconnect with someone you haven’t spoken to recently, whether it’s a friend from school, an old job or someone you used to play sport with. Give them a call or organise a catch-up.
- Shake it up – if old traditions and routines aren’t feeling joyous anymore, try something new. Pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone can be exciting and fulfilling.