Getting help over the holidays.

The end of the year can be a difficult time for many people. This time often signifies family, togetherness, gluttony, and spending. Each of those in isolation can be anxiety provoking, let alone all combined and constantly advertised via every media outlet possible; therefore perpetuating the pressure to meet unrealistic standards of how to celebrate over the holiday season.

There is no right way to celebrate the holiday period. The best way, is your way; and if your way is to kick back on the couch with people whose company you actually enjoy, then do that! I know that is much easier said than done, so for those who are looking down the path of Christmas pleasantries, triggering family interactions, and financial pressures, consider utilising supports during this time.

For those who may not have access to their/a therapist, or usual supports are also out fulfilling their holiday duties during this time, telephone and online services can provide you with some reprieve. Some people are reluctant to access these modes of support as they can be perceived as impersonal, but I encourage at least some consideration; at the bare minimum they provide an outlet for venting and opportunity for validation.

The list below includes some easily accessible support services. Some offer both online and telephone support, as well as other supportive resources through their websites. I suggest to check them out, have a look through what they offer, so when the need for support arises you already know what options are available to you. Better yet, if there is anticipatory anxiety for what is ahead, why not access the services as a means to minimise the impact.

• Lifeline 13 11 14

• Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

• Kids Helpline 1800 551 80

• Mensline 1300 78 99 78

• Griefline 1300 845 745

• Directline (Drug and Alcohol counselling, also for family) 1800 888 236

• Suicideline 1300 651 251

• Emergency services for medical emergencies 000

The key takeaway is to savor the holiday period in a manner that feels right for you and to leverage the available support services. Whether it's a quiet day on the couch or a gathering with loved ones, remember that your well-being takes precedence, and seeking assistance when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness. Wishing you a mindful and supported holiday season in 2023.

Does going to therapy mean I’m crazy?

There is a common misconception that seeing therapist means you are crazy, unstable, weird, or maybe even broken. However, any of those adjectives could not be any more further from the truth.

Therapy is useful for different reasons for different people; but one thing that every client has in common, is that they are seeking help. Assistance from a therapist may be required to:

• Work through a specific current day issue

• Find better ways of coping

• Better understand unhealthy patterns/symptoms/distress

• Validation and support, or

• Help with healthy decision making

Although this may seem like a short list, there is nothing in that list that suggests ‘craziness’ is a reason. Sometimes distressing emotions can feel like loosing control and that can then lead to questioning of experience, capacity, and general sound-mindedness. However, there is no clinical definition of crazy (that I know of at least!).

I recently attended a two a two day seminar where the distinguished presenter put it quite eloquently: “we are all bozos travelling on the same bus”. So whatever your reason, there is nothing crazy about wanting or needing to speak to a therapist.