FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Events and updates

Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

NikNikSenior Contributor

Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

Between Mariah Carey's 'All I want for Christmas is you' blarring throughout the shopping centre, and TV ad after TV ad selling the latest coolest best gift to buy for someone EVER, it's hard to escape Christmas.

But maybe it's better for us?

This Topic Tuesday we will be discussing whether we should (or in fact, can) ignore Christmas and ways to manage our wellbeing throughout this time of year.

So join @Former-Member from 7pm AEDT on Tues 13 December.

Three things you can do now

1) Hit the 'Like' button below to receive an email notification on the night

2) Check out our latest blog 'Is it okay to ignore Christmas?'

3) Can't make the session? Leave a question below to be answered on the night.

104 replies

71 - 80 of 104
1...789...11

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

SwearyCynSenior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

Callout back at you @Shaz51!

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember

Re: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

@Former-Member your description of the day is all about everyone else's plans. It's like you're being high-jacked for a couple of days! Maybe tonight isn't the time to answer this, but is there a chance of squeezing in some time for something you want to do? The danger of not doing that is that you might end up so unwell at the thought of what's ahead of you that you can't take part anyway.

If there is more of a balance - only part of the day with your partner's family - you have a better chance of staying well. If your partner isn't very receptive to your reasons, maybe you don't need to explain them anymore. It should be enough that your mental health requires more balance in the day. I guess that's what I was getting at before - why is the compromise seemingly all ours?

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

greenspaceSenior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

Thanks, @Shaz51

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember

Re: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

So how do you spend Christmas @Kombibob? What choices support your mental health on the day?

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

SwearyCynSenior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

@Former-Member, I'm so sorry to hear all that is happening, it sounds truly awful. I'm thinking of going to a mediator or something with my partner so he is able to support me better, particularly during times like this - would that be something you would consider? Families are such, hard, work! My sister is an alcoholic, and ruined what turned out to be my Dad's last Xmas a few years ago (he then passed away a few months later very suddenly) - I don't understand why these people think it's okay to destroy everything and be mean, and make it seem like it's your fault. It is NOT your fault. Are you able to take some time out on the day and go for a walk, by yourself or with your partner, to regroup? Then you can have something to look forward to on the day, and know that you will get a break. And Lifeline and other services are only a phone call away, pop the numbers in your phone so you have them at hand. Then talk to your partner about having a quiet xmas by yourselves next year!! Look after yourself xxoo

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember

Re: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

Thanks for listening to me whine @Former-Member....

I don't think I made very good sense...

If it was up to me I would go to the beach on xmas day... I don't have my own car anymore & my partner won't let me drive....

it's all complicated...

I had to cancel my psychiatrist appointment due to being broke - I sent her an email & if she offers hospital - I'm going if my partner doesn't stop me....

My paranoia & anxiety has been worse for 3 or more months & I just can't hold it together anymore....

Sorry, for my ramblings & sorry I had no energy to comment on other posts I read..

I will leave now...

Sorry

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember

Re: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

I might revisit it too @greenspace. it feels very cathartic to get all my bah humbugness out amongst friends! So nice to not be judged for my attitude 🙂

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember

Re: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

Thank you @SwearyCyn....

We live in a spearate cabin on the property, but still have to use the house for toliet, shower, laundry... I will use the camping toliet on the day... I will hopefully have some $$ to buy a tv show I want to watch - I think it is mainly my paranoia feeling like my partner doesn't get it, but I can't reason with it - the paranoia also makes me not want to talk about it much - it's too much - Hopefully we will have some yummy vegan food - I hope my partner doesn't insist on buying presents for everyone when I can't even afford to get everything I need...

I' not an assertive person - & it makes it even harder being the mentally ill one in a relationship....

I think I need someone to hug me tight & tell me it matters that I'm alive...

Sorry

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember

Re: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

Our thoughts are with you @Former-Member. No need to leave and no pressure to respond. You're voicing the very real distress that people feel this time of year and I'm sure we all wish we could alleviate it for you. I hope you find some peace and a sense of safety over the next few weeks. If that means hospital and it's the right thing for you then go for it. But it's not a great reflection on the choices you're facing that this seems like the best option. You have our support when you need it

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

Shaz51Senior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // Is it okay to ignore Christmas? // 13 Dec. 7pm AEDT

Sending you hugs @Former-Member

holding you in my arms my friend xx

71 - 80 of 104
1...789...11

SANE Forums is published by SANE with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.

SANE Forums does not provide crisis support.
If you need immediate assistance, please see available crisis services.

Learn more about SANE and SANE services at sane.org

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

SANE is a public company limited by guarantee and registered tax-exempt charity with DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status.

Charity ABN 92 006 533 606. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. SANE, PO Box 1226, Carlton VIC 3053.