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For some, Christmas is an exciting and happy time and for others, it can be stressful and difficult, for all sorts of reasons.
Christmas can also bring added pressure, with busy schedules, disruptions to routine, and an artificial sense of urgency to “get everything done” before the year ends.
Before we move into a few practical tips, including insights shared by our team members who have children with disability, we’d like to say thank you for your ongoing support. We also want to wish you a safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday period.
We hope the following tips are helpful for you, or for someone you care about:
- Check Christmas open times for your local GP, pharmacy and any other services you use regularly. Their opening hours may be different during the Christmas period. Good to know before they are closed so you get organised with medications, prescriptions etc.
- Contact your service providers to find out if and how your supports may change over the holidays.
- Share a calendar or schedule with family and support workers, so they know what’s happening and when for you over the Christmas break.
- Be kind to yourself – Not everyone feels comfortable or safe being out and about during busy periods. But if gatherings feel right for you, spending time with family or friends, particularly outdoors, can be a rewarding option.
- Plan ahead – Reduce surprises (and stress) by working out and agreeing on the plans, times, preparations and locations so you can organise transport, access and what you need to bring for the day.
- Reach out – Christmas can be a lonely time. Don’t be afraid to reach out to support workers, friends and people in your local community-connection plays an important role in our mental health and overall wellbeing.
- Thank your carer – It doesn’t have to be a gift, but a simple thank you, card, or something homemade can mean a lot. If you have a carer or someone special in your life, let them know what they mean to you.
- Keep it simple (and right for you) – Looking at social media, it might seem like everyone is having a perfect Christmas! With Covid still very much in many communities, it might be time to take the pressure off and keep things as simple as possible. Smaller gatherings, pre-prepared food, limited gift exchanges etc. can be more than enough.
- Get into the spirit – Watch a favourite Christmas movie, play some carols, or tune into Carols on TV on Christmas Eve. Small touches (like a festive hat, earrings, T-shirt, decorations), or lighting a candle, can bring a sense of joy.
- Get joy from giving. We can forget that Christmas is the season for giving. When you give (big, small, home-made, whatever it is!), it brings joy to others and can make you feel good too.
Plan Tracker remains open throughout the Christmas and New Year period, except on public holidays. Your Plan Tracker Participant Portal is always available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can check your plan and stay up to date whenever and wherever you need.
If you need to talk with someone, please call:
- 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732
- Beyond Blue 24hour phone line – 1300 22 46 36
- Lifeline phone 24hour phone line – 13 11 14
- Mental Health Emergency Response Line: 1300 555 788
- 13YARN: 13 92 76 (for culturally safe support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)
- Men’s Line: 1300 789 978