LET’S face it. Christmas can be joyous but for many it can be very stressful.
To help bring the magic back to Christmas, The Land and the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program are hosting a Friday Forum on December 1 all about Reducing Christmas Stress.
Join the forum here:
Mince Pies have been in the supermarket since the day after Hallowe’en, and carols are creeping onto our radio stations.
For some people Christmas is one of the happiest times of the year. However, for many others even the thought of Christmas brings pangs of loneliness for loved ones who have passed on, are living far away, or who are isolated by divorce or separation.
There can be financial pressures too. And being around family can also be quite stressful, all of which can be exacerbated with alcohol.
There are practical tips to cope with the possible adversities Christmas may bring.
At noon on December 1 right here, the expert panel will answer questions, including:
- How to stay mentally healthy;
- Tips to reduce loneliness;
- How to reduce relationship stress at Christmas;
- Understanding difficult relationships and how to strengthen them;
- Recognising anxiety;
- When and where to seek help.
The panel includes farmer Fiona Mead, who has worked for five years as a Rural Financial Counsellor, based at Tocal College, in the NSW Northern Region. In 2016 Fiona was a finalist in the RIRDC (Agrifutures) Rural Women’s Award.
RAMHP co-ordinator Di Gill has been working with the program for 10 years. Based in Canowindra, Di understands the hardships extreme weather can cause, with fires and floods affecting her area over the past year.
Sue-Ann Muggleton from Lifeline has worked in the community sector in rural and remote areas, and in Canberra for more than 30 years, and been a manager for more than 20 of those years. Since 2009 she has also taught sociology and counselling subjects at the Canberra Institute of Technology.
Matt Garrett has been manager of the Hunter region of Relationships Australia for 10 Years. He is trained in couple and family therapy. He is aware of the pressures families experience at the time of year.
- Visit Lifeline on 131 114.
