This season isn’t festive for everyone
The holiday season is often depicted as a time of joy, connection and celebration. But it’s also a time when many people face extra challenges, which can make them feel more alone with their struggles.
Routines are often disrupted at this time of year, when many services and social groups take a break, which can leave people feeling disconnected.
Feelings of loneliness can be amplified during the holiday season – and not only for people who are socially isolated or mourning a loss. People who reach out to Lifeline often tell us that they feel intensely lonely even when surrounded by people.
Social gatherings can increase tensions where relationships are strained. Even people with close relationships may not feel comfortable sharing feelings of distress or ‘burdening’ loved ones at this time of year.
It’s crucial that Lifeline can be here for everyone who needs us, no matter how, when or why they reach out.
How Your Donation Helps
Ensures anyone in Australia can access phone, text and web chat crisis support services 24/7.
Helps more Australians access safe, clinically-informed online support tools and resources.
Gives everyone access to evidence-based safety planning tools and resources, no matter where they are.
Supports a range of Lifeline programs and initiatives that advocate for vital suicide prevention efforts.
Assists Lifeline’s research to inform the development of effective, evidence-based programs.
The call that planted a seed of hope for Michael
When Michael was just 22, he found himself contemplating suicide. Deep childhood trauma, the break-up of his first meaningful relationship, and a lifetime of feeling judged for expressing emotion left him feeling a crushing sense of loneliness and despair.
Thankfully, Michael found the courage to reach out to Lifeline, knowing the call would be anonymous.
“The tone of the crisis supporter’s voice was just so calm, it was almost like an invitation,” Michael remembers. “Everything felt so dark, and suddenly there was a bit of light through the phone where I couldn’t see it anywhere else.”
That call to Lifeline was the catalyst Michael needed to begin transforming his life. Having expressed his feelings for the first time, he began to reach out for help, beginning counselling and opening up to friends.
“That call started my journey of healing. A lot was planted with that one seed from Lifeline.”
Help Lifeline be here for everyone who needs us this festive season
Every 24 seconds, someone reaches out to Lifeline for crisis support, while users of our online Support Toolkit spike by more than 50% during the holiday months.
Every contact is a seed of connection, with the potential to offer hope. And those seeds of connection are more crucial than ever at this time of year, when many other sources of support are unavailable – not just mental health services, but also workplaces, sports and social groups.
