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CLOSED // Topic Tuesday // Finding the joy in Christmas

CherryBombSenior Contributor10 Dec 2015, 5:26 pm AEDT

CLOSED // Topic Tuesday // Finding the joy in Christmas

For many carers, finding joy in Christmas can seem like trying to find a needle in a hay stack. There's a lot to manage at this time of year - social gatherings, presents, family dynamics, and of course, caring for your loved one. This time of year can be tough.

The festive season can get hampered by the challenges that come along with caring for someone who has a mental illness. What happens if they get unwell during this time? And where can you or they go for support when everything shuts down? How is possible to manage social events?

Join this month's Topic Tuesday to discuss ways that you can get through the festive season, and perhaps even find some joy.

We'll discuss:

- developing a safety plan;

- managing expectations with your loved one and;

- provide information about availble services.

Click 'like' if you can make it.

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In response to: CLOSED // Topic Tuesday // Finding the joy in Christmas

CherryBombSenior Contributor22 Dec 2015, 8:33 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // now open // Finding the joy in Christmas

@Snoo, sorry I should have clarified. By safety plan, I mean having strategies/resources in place going into the festive season (when support services shut-down) to keep your loved one emotionally, psychologically safe.

Things you can do to keep you loved one safe throughout the festive season is:

keep communication open. Encourage and/or create a space to talk about what your loved one might be experiencing. Let them know you're there to listen without being judgmental.
Identify potential trigger that may arise for them over the festive season, and discuss ways they can manage and/or avoid these.
Observe their behaviours and moods, and if indicate you've noticed a change in their behaviour
encourage the person to exercise, eat well and become involved in social activities
keep in touch and encourage close friends and family to do the same.

If you are concerned about your loved during this time, there are services that are available that can use for support

Beyondblue's info line - 1300 22 4636 will operate 24/7 over the holiday period for anyone needing information on depression, anxiety and related drug and alcohol problems.

Other organisations have free telephone counselling or support lines &include:

Lifeline 131114
Kids Helpline 1800 551800
Mensline 1300 789978
Mental Health Line 1800 011511
Accessline 1800 800 944 (in NSW)

In response to: CLOSED // Topic Tuesday // Finding the joy in Christmas

BeHappySenior Contributor22 Dec 2015, 8:34 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // now open // Finding the joy in Christmas

@Shaz51, that sounds so stressful! I hope that you have some type of plan just in case something like this happens again?

A few years back my loved on got quite unwell, and we didn't know what to do. It's partly the reason why I worry about leaving my loved at home alone during this time of year.

I think a safety plan is a great idea. Thanks @CherryBomb