CALM helpline team give their tips on getting through the holidays

This time of year can be tough for lots of reasons. Our website is full of things to help when you’re feeling pants, or if you’re struggling to see a way forward the CALM helpline is open every day - even on the 25th. The only difference? Our helpline staff might be munching on a mince pie on their lunch break.

We spoke to our helpline staff, the friendly bunch who are there to pick up the phone and answer your messages every day from 5pm until midnight, and they passed on some helpline advice for if you’re struggling this time of year.

Looking for some speedy info on issues making you feel down or like you’ve hit a wall? Check out the CALM Guides for friendly advice on moving forward from challenges like suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief and much more.

Step away from seasonal stress

We know that the small stuff can quickly be blown out of proportion during festivities and the big stuff can feel even bigger. Take it from our helpline team - you don’t need to put extra pressure on yourself to make everything perfect:

“There’s no such thing as a perfect Christmas. It’s good to remember that everything is blown out of proportion in the run up to the celebrations.”

Talk to someone you trust

If things are feeling overwhelming talk to someone you trust - your mate, your nan, your work bff - whoever makes you feel like you can chat without judgement. And if you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts and don’t know where to turn, our helpline and webchat is here 365 days a year from 5pm until midnight:

“I’m working through the holidays because I know just how important it is for a person who is alone or struggling with life over the festive period to be able to pick up the phone and have a conversation with someone. Knowing people are out there who care can make a difference.”

Don’t struggle on your own

We know suicidal thoughts don’t get put on hold just because it’s the holidays. If anything, the world can feel more isolating when everyone’s busy celebrating. Our helpline staff work throughout the festive period to answer potentially life-saving calls from anyone struggling with life.

“It can be a difficult and lonely time for many. The person I spoke to was feeling very low as they hadn’t spoken to anyone all week and had spent Christmas Day alone with their thoughts. They called us that night and after our conversation, thanked me for listening and said they really appreciated us being there. It meant a lot to them that there was someone to connect with and to know that we were there to support them any night of the year.”

If your Christmas is feeling like a soggy sprout, check out our proper useful tips on getting through an anxious Xmas, or head to the CALM Guides page for support on whatever you’re facing.