Finding Support During the Holiday Season
The Christmas holiday period can bring a mix of joy and connection but for many people, it can also bring up feelings of stress, loneliness, grief, or overwhelm. You may be missing a loved one, managing difficult family dynamics, or find this time of year challenging, it’s important to know that help is available.
At With Grace Therapy, we understand that reaching out for help and knowing who to talk to can be challenging. To help make it easier, below are some resources and phone numbers you can turn to if you or someone you care about needs support over the Christmas season.
24/7 Mental Health & Crisis Support
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention. You can also chat online at lifeline.org.au. - Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Free, confidential counselling for anyone affected by suicide. - Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
Support for depression, anxiety, and mental health concerns. Online chat also available https://www.beyondblue.org.au/. - 13 YARN – 13 92 76
24/7 culturally safe crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. - MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78
Support for men dealing with emotional health, relationship issues or family concerns. - Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
24/7 support for children and young people (5-25 years). Online chat at kidshelpline.com.au. - 1800 Respect – 1800 737 732
National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. - SANE Australia – 1800 18 7263
Support for people living with complex mental health issues.
Queensland-Specific & Specialist Lines
- Queensland Health Mental Health Access Line (24/7) – 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255)
A confidential triage service linking to public mental health services across Queensland. - Queensland Health – 13 HEALTH – 13 43 25 84
For medical or mental-health advice from a registered nurse. - Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) – 1800 177 833
Specialist support for alcohol and other drug concerns. - Arafmi 24-Hour Carer Support Telephone Line – 1300 554 660
Support for carers of people with mental illness. - headspace (for young people) – 1800 650 890
Early intervention mental health support for 12-25 year-olds. - PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) – 1300 726 306
Specialist support for perinatal mental health. - Eating Disorders Queensland – (07) 3844 6055
Support for eating disorders in Queensland. - QLife (LGBTIQA+ support) – 1800 184 527 Webchat also available qlife.org.au
- Open Arms – Veterans’ Support Service – 1800 011 046
Free counselling and support for veterans and families.
If you’re finding this season difficult, please know that you’re not alone and support is always within reach. Whether it’s through friends, family, or professional help, taking the first step to reach out can make all the difference.
From all of us at With Grace Therapy, we wish you a gentle and peaceful holiday season one grounded in care, compassion, connection and gentleness, not perfection.
