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Christmas/New Year

Christmas/New Year

As I'm sure you're all aware, Christmas is fast approaching. While it’s portrayed in the media as being a ‘wonderful time of the year’, the reality is that for many it’s far from that. For various reasons, Christmas can be a really challenging time. And for those with mental health illness, it can be even more so. We have started to see posts already about anxiety, depression, estrangement, and loneliness in regards to Christmas.

SO, we want to know what you think you might need from us, the staff at SANE. We would love to hear from you about any ideas you may have as to how we can make the Christmas and New Year period more ‘doable’ for you all. Keep in mind also that a lot of the regular peer workers will not be around during this time. What can we do to make this easier for you?

I’ll add these two articles that some may find helpful:

https://www.hcf.com.au/health-agenda/body-mind/mental-health/lonely-christmas-how-to-deal-with-being-alone-during-the-festive-season

https://www.onedoor.org.au/events-media/blog/christmas-and-mental-health

@Snowie @Shaz51 @maddison @Eve7 @NatureLover @ShiningStar @outlander @Zoe7 @Dimity @Determined @Judi9877 @Former-Member @Faith-and-Hope @MDT @BlueBay @Krishna @Bow @Captain24 @creative_writer @StuF @Former-Member

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In response to: Christmas/New Year

Re: Christmas/New Year

Oh my re your cousin, unbelievable!

Haha so funny re bopping them! We have to laugh, right!

In response to: Christmas/New Year

Re: Christmas/New Year

Hi @Snowie @Captain24,

I love your idea around a thread for Christmas/New Year. I think it would be a great space for anyone that needed a place to express their feelings, chat, vent, etc.

As much as Christmas may be a happy time for some it can be a difficult time for others and I think being mindful around this is very important.

FloatingFeather

In response to: Re: Christmas/New Year

Re: Christmas/New Year

@Snowie @Captain24 @hanami @FloatingFeather @Flotsam

We have been running a thread over Christmas for a few years for all those that need connection, support and just some light hearted discussion Christmas Loungeroom 👍

In response to: Re: Christmas/New Year

Re: Christmas/New Year

This is so great. And Christmas Loungeroom is awesome @Zoe7

In response to: Re: Christmas/New Year

Re: Christmas/New Year

Hey @Aggie @Elke888 hiii

I noticed each of you said recently that Christmas is hard for you. Is there anything you find useful in the forums besides the Christmas Loungeroom?

This might be

  • resources for coping
  • any support which is open over this period

Take care,

TuxedoCat

In response to: Re: Christmas/New Year

Re: Christmas/New Year

Hearing you too @Flotsam ….. ❤️

In response to: Re: Christmas/New Year

Re: Christmas/New Year

@hanami , @Faith-and-Hope. @Former-Member , @Zoe7 , @FloatingFeather ❤❤

In response to: Re: Christmas/New Year

Re: Christmas/New Year

Thanks for this thread and for the links @hanami

In response to: Christmas/New Year

Re: Christmas/New Year

hi @hanami

Even though I have my own children and beautiful granddaughter on Christmas Day (to which i am very grateful for) I still struggle and end up in tears on my own during the day (usually in the bathroom)

I think because i am a person that LOVES family. loves family together and i was always the only one who would connect all siblings and parents together for every single celebration (Christmas, easter etc)

So now i feel a bit lost, a bit empty. I feel very sad for my poor dad who i know will be lonely and not with his children. my mum has told me that they are going nowhere for Christmas, i have asked but her reply was no.

I would like if possible for support during the holidays, just someone i can come on here and get some support. It's a crazy time of the year and with all the advertisements everywhere; the pressure of buying presents; the pressure of trying to 'do better' each year.

I do feel lucky to have my 2 out of 3 kids with me this year as I do know there are lots of people on their own. although this year will be extra hard as i won't have my youngest son with us as he is overseas. Even though i know he is ok and will have a nice Christmas with his girlfriend it's still not the same without him.

I think just having someone on Sane Forum to be a support, although i do understand it is your time for holiday break too.

In response to: Re: Christmas/New Year

Re: Christmas/New Year

Thanks so much for letting us know @Zoe7! Love the thread name too 🙂

Hope you are well and life is being kind to you ❤️

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