Looking after mental health during the festive season

Looking after mental health during the festive season

06 December, 2019

The festive season can be a particularly tough time for some people due to existing mental health issues, dealing with loss or isolation, financial stresses and juggling social and work commitments. 

For some, Christmas can be a lonely time or they're unable to provide a meal for themselves or their family. Cognisant of this, a number of organisations are hosting Christmas lunch or dinner in east and north-eastern Melbourne. Please share these details with your community.

  • Glen Waverley: Lunch with The Salvation Army. 958 High St Road
  • Warrandyte: Dinner with Now and Not Yet. 148 Yarra Street
  • Diamond Creek: Lunch at Uniting Church Hall. Corner Main Hurstbridge Road and Wensley Street
  • Ferntree Gully: Lunch with Foothills Community Care Ferntree Gully. St John the Baptist Parish Hall, 19 Forest Road
  • Belgrave South: Brewtime Cafe. 156 Colby Drive
  • Cheltenham: Christmas Eve lunch and service with Bayside Community Care Christmas. 99-101 Argus Street

Make it your business to check-in with others, particularly if you know someone that may struggle at this time of year. Ask how they are, listen without judgement, and encourage action or ask how you can support them. 

Our Referral and Access Team is available throughout the Christmas and New Years period, except weekends and public holidays, to support people to access mental health services in our community.

Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network CEO Robin Whyte said the festive season can exacerbate mental health issues or substance misuse.

"People experiencing mental health issues, or those going through difficult life events can benefit from extra support over the next few months. It's our priority to ensure people in our community are supported when they may need it most," Ms Whyte said.

The team includes mental health clinicians who are able to assess clinical risk, triage as required and assist people to identify and access services that best suits their needs. 

Mental Health Referral and Access team