25/11/2025
Stay on top of your Mental Health these Holidays 🎄🧠❤️
Did you know?
• More than one in three Australians say the cost of Christmas will have a negative impact on their mental health and wellbeing this year.
• Around 38% of people expect to experience loneliness over the Christmas/New Year period.
• In one survey, 34.3% of Australians (≈8.9 million) reported they felt more stressed than in the previous year around Christmas, and over 24% were concerned about their mental health during the festive season.
With stats like these, it’s a helpful reminder that it’s okay if you’re not feeling “festive all the time”—and that there are gentle ways you can look after yourself and those around you.
Here are a few simple ideas:
• Listen to what your mind and body need: if you’re tired, stressed or feeling low, give yourself permission to rest, say no, or cancel something rather than soldier through.
• Set a simple budget and remind yourself that meaningful time together often matters more than expensive gifts.
• Give yourself time away from social media or comparisons, which can fuel feelings of “everyone’s having the perfect time and I’m not”.
• If you’ll be spending Christmas alone or away from family, consider volunteering, joining a local gathering, or arranging a check-in with a friend on the day.
• Be kind to yourself. It’s a season of expectations, and you don’t have to match anyone’s image of “holiday happiness”.
Remember: seeing this season as an opportunity to simply be rather than perform can make a real difference.
If you find yourself struggling, reach out to a trusted friend, a professional, or a support line. You’re not alone—and it’s perfectly okay to feel however you feel.
Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and su***de prevention services. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
Su***de Call Back Service provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Call 1300 659 467.
Beyond Blue aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. If you or a loved one need help, you can call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours/7 days a week or chat online.
Medicare Mental Health gives advice and will connect you to local mental health services. Call 1800 595 212.
MensLine Australia is a professional telephone and online counselling service offering support to Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours/7 or chat online.
FriendLine supports anyone who's feeling lonely, needs to reconnect or just wants a chat. You can call them 7 days a week on 1800 424 287, or chat online with one of their trained volunteers. All conversations with FriendLine are anonymous.
Sources:
• Australian Psychological Society: “One in three people said the cost of Christmas will negatively impact their mental health…” (Australian Psychological Society)
• Medibank survey: “Over 1 in 3 people say Christmas costs will negatively impact mental health; 38% expect loneliness…” (Medibank)
• “Christmas Stress | Mental Health Tips” blog: “8.9 million Australians (34.3%) felt more stressed than at Christmas the previous year; more than 24% concerned about their mental health…” (Psychological Health Care)
