The Tough Side of Christmas and New Year
Isn’t Christmas and New Year a time of gathering with our families, sharing meals and celebrating holidays together?
For FIFO workers and their families it can be a time when work rosters mean they can’t be together and it can be tough.
For some, Christmas and New Year can be a very lonely time. Results from research at Queensland’s Griffith University showed a significant increase in depression and suicides on Christmas Eve and New Years Day.
Family and friends can help by being aware of the increased risk at these times. If someone you know is struggling, this is a time to offer extra support and include the person in your activities.
If you are struggling yourself then let someone know. They may be able to help you feel better and find some solutions to the tyranny of distance which keeps you apart from significant others.
Most importantly if you have thoughts of suicide SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY.
Tell someone you trust and ask them to stay with you. Speak to a mate, a peer support worker, a supervisor, an Emergency Medical Officer or HR. Or call Lifeline on 1300 659 467 anytime, 24/7.
At home, if it’s life threatening, call 000 (or 112 from a mobile).
At any time 24/7, call 1300 659 467
Learn the warning signs of suicide in others and yourself.