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.
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Service |
Christmas Closure |
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Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders mental health services Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service (IAMS) (02) 4229 9495 |
Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 8 January |
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Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders Mental Health Services (ITC Program) 1800 804 201 |
Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 1 January |
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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 |
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Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders Mental Health Services 1800 997 330 & 1800 953 736 (After Hours Support) |
Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 8 January – limited phone supports available |
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Commonwealth Psychosocial Support (CPS) Program 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 |
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Commonwealth Psychosocial Support (CPS) Program |
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 |
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Commonwealth Psychosocial Support (CPS) Program 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 |
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Commonwealth Psychosocial Support (CPS) Program 1300 347 224 |
Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 1 January On call services available |
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Complex Mental Health Services (02) 4220 7600 |
Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 1 January |
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C2bMe 1800 422 263 |
Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 1 January |
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Drug and Alcohol Brokerage and Community Support Program 1800 997 330 & 1800 953 736 (After Hours Support) |
Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 8 January – limited phone supports available |
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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 |
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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 |
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Low Intensity Psychological Therapies – NewAccess 1300 111 400
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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 |
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Nana Muru 1300 727 957 |
Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 8 January – limited phone supports available |
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NSW Pandemic Recovery Access Initiative (02) 4220 7600 |
Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 1 January |
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Pathways Shoalhaven (Alcohol and Other Drug Services) 0439 106 025 or 0417 736 697
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Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 8 January – limited phone supports available |
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Psychological Therapies (02) 4220 7600 |
Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 1 January |
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Rural Outreach Mental Health Service The Trustee for Saint Patricks Trust (02) 4421 7525
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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 |
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Sapphire Health & Wellbeing Service
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. |
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Social Prescribing Primary Care Community Services (02) 9477 8700
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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 |
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Suicide Prevention Aftercare (02) 4220 7600 |
Closed between Monday 25 December and Monday 1 January |