ACON: Caring for Mental Health This Holiday Season
Michael Barnett OAM
05-12-2025 - 12:45 PMCaring for Mental Health This Holiday Season
The end of the year arrives with a mix of emotions. For many LGBTQ+ people, it can be a time of joy, reflection and gathering with loved ones. It can also be a period of strain or loneliness. Some in our communities have experienced rejection or exclusion from family, and the cultural emphasis on family gatherings at this time of year can amplify that sense of loss. Even when surrounded by others, the feeling of not quite belonging can sit close to the surface.
Managing mental health during this period is often about staying connected to what helps you feel grounded. Small routines can offer steadiness when everything feels heightened. Eating regularly, resting when you can, taking a quiet moment outdoors or simply allowing yourself to slow down are meaningful acts of care. You do not need to earn rest or prove resilience. Your wellbeing matters in its own right.
Connection can be protective. Spending time with people who affirm you and understand your experiences can help soften feelings of isolation. Chosen family can be powerful here, especially for those who cannot or do not wish to return to their families of origin. Sharing a meal, watching a film together, checking in by message or planning a small end of year ritual can create a sense of belonging that is real and sustaining.
Reaching out when you are struggling can feel difficult, yet doing so early can make a difference. If you want to talk about feeling low, overwhelmed or uncertain, it can help to let the person know what kind of support you are seeking. Do you want them just to listen, or talk through possible next steps? You deserve to be supported with care and respect, and your feelings deserve to be taken seriously.
Support can also come from others in the community who have their own experiences of moving through distress and recovery. LGBTQ+ peer workers draw on their own journeys navigating mental health issues and the support system. Peer workers provide support in a range of settings across NSW, including in acute care. Peer work can offer a sense of being understood without needing to explain the basics of your experience or identity. Peer work can also assist with planning, advocacy and finding the services that feel right for you.
You may also find yourself supporting someone else – remember that care does not mean carrying everything alone. Listening, acknowledging feelings and helping them connect to suitable support can be enough. It’s helpful for you to have boundaries and to look after yourself as well.
- For guidance during the end of year period, HERE.org.au offers practical advice, resources and links to peer support for LGBTQ+ communities. Trans and gender diverse people can also find affirming health and wellbeing information at TransHub.org.au.
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SUPPORT PHONELINES:
- IN AN EMERGENCY – call (triple zero) 000
- LIFELINE – 13 11 14 (24/7)
- BEYOND BLUE – 1300 224 636 (24/7)
- YARNING SAFE ‘N’ STRONG – 1800 959 563 (24/7)
- 13YARN – 13 92 76 (24/7)
- QLIFE – An LGBTIQ+ peer lead support service which is open 3pm–12midnight 7 days. 1800 184 527
Qlife also have a web chat option available: www.qlife.org.au - SUICIDE CALLBACK SERVICE – 1300 659 467 (24/7)
- BLUE KNOT HELPLINE – For Survivors of Trauma – 1300 657 380
- BUTTERFLY FOUNDATION – Eating Disorder ED support – 1800 334 673
- KIDS HELPLINE – 1800 551 800
- MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS LINE – 1800 011 511
- GRIEF & LOSS SERVICE – (08) 8131 3400
- AUTISM CONNECT – (National Autism Helpline) – 1300 308 699 (closed between 24/12–2/1)
- MENSLINE – 1300 78 99 78
- FRIEND LINE – 1800 424 287
- AFTER HOURS GP HELPLINE – 1800 022 222
- ALCOHOL & OTHER DRUGS INFORMATION SERVICE (ADIS) – 1800 422 599
- LINK2HOME – 1800 152 152
- SEXUAL HEALTH INFO LINK – 1800 451 624
- NSW DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LINE – 1800 656 463
- NSW RAPE CRISIS – 1800 424 017
- SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNSELLING AUSTRALIA – 1800 211 028
- GAMBLING HELPLINE – 1800 858 858
- ELDER ABUSE HELPLINE – 1800 628 221
- PARENTS LINE – 1800 130 052
- NSP – NUAA 345 Crown St, Surry Hills: 1800 644 413
- a[TEST] – www.atest.org.au