Holiday Season
Check in with Loved Ones
Written by Acacia Soares - Content Writer at Strength to Strength Mental & Physical Healthcare
Trigger Warning: This article contains themes of suicide.
* SUICIDE PREVENTION STEPS AND SELF-CARE TIPS PROVIDED BELOW
Studies say suicides peak on New Year's Day, most likely because of the "Broken Promise Effect" of the Christmas holiday period.
A study on 'Suicide around public holidays' found that signs of suicidal behaviour may begin around the Christmas period due to self-reflections on the year and feelings of loneliness.
"The first day of a new year is widely thought of in the community as a time of promise and fresh beginnings," they wrote.
"For some, this may heighten a sense of hopelessness, because previous years left the promise unfulfilled and the prospect of another such year may trigger suicide.
"However, the Christmas period is traditionally a time for celebration with family and friends, but for those without such an opportunity, the beginning of such a time may intensify feelings of isolation or the pain of broken relationships."
Gabennesch (1988) developed the theory of the Broken Promise Effect, which occurs when "effectively positive events" such as spring, weekends, and holidays hold the "potential to promise more than they can deliver".
Last year 3,214 Australians died by suicide.
Scholars analyse some of the social impacts that contribute to these mental health struggles.
"Suicides peak on New Year's Day and then go back to the yearly average," they reported.
"The lower suicide rates during Advent and Christmas may be explained by positive emotional expectations associated with Christmas (inducing hope), enhanced social connectedness, or simply because suicidal people postpone their suicide until after Christmas."
The AIHW reported that in 2023, there were 3,214 deaths by suicide in Australia, an average of about nine deaths per day. Males made up 75 per cent (2419) and women 25 per cent (795).
“The Holidays can be particularly anxiety-provoking…”
- MQ Mental Health Research.
MQ Mental Health Research found many risk factors for experiencing poor wellbeing around the holiday period, including pre-existing mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
"The holidays often encourage rumination as we recall Christmases of the past at the same time as we look back over the year," they said.
"People with depression might often think about what they could've done differently in the past, focusing on failures wishing things had been different, reanalysing what happened and what they could’ve done.
"Holidays can be particularly anxiety-provoking with social pressures, busy diaries, parties and social gatherings, making small talk, financial costs of the season particularly during a cost of living crisis.”
Other vulnerable people at risk that the MQ organisation identified were those struggling with stress, loneliness or grief.
"The loss of a loved one is rarely an easy experience," they said.
"Remembering them and previous holidays spent together can bring up a lot of difficult feelings that are hard to allow or accept.
"You might feel guilt for enjoying yourself, anger for the injustice, sadness at the loss, something else or nothing at all.
“Whatever you feel or don’t feel, allowing yourself to feel it is useful.”
Suicide Prevention Steps:
( Trauma-informed steps provided by Lifeline )
Acknowledge your own reaction: Talking about suicide can feel overwhelming, especially if you are worried about a loved one. Whatever your reaction or feelings, it’s important to be aware of these before reaching out to support others.
Ask directly: The only way to know if a person is thinking of suicide is to directly ask. Talking about it will not put the idea into their head but will encourage them to talk about their feelings.
Be there and listen: Listening to the person is essential to showing them that you care and that you want to understand what they are going through. Let them do most of them talking without offering any judgements or advice.
Check out their safety: You may need to ask the person some more questions to understand their safety and if there is any immediate danger. Asking the person: Do they have a specific plan on how they will end their life?
Get help: If someone’s life is in danger, call 000. Encourage the person to get help and to reach out for support. They don’t have to go through this alone.
Follow up: After you’ve had this important first conversation, it’s important to check in with the person soon afterwards to show them that you care, but also that you’re serious about supporting them. Showing them that you’re there for them can make all the difference.
Warning signs of suicidal behaviour to be aware of:
( Warning signs provided by Lifeline )
Restlessness and increased agitation
Emotional outbursts
Withdrawing from people they would usually connect with
Withdrawing from regular activities such as work or school
Describing feeling helpless, hopeless or worthless
Changes in appetite or eating
Difficulty in sleeping or sleeping a lot
Not wanting to do things they usually enjoy
Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
Not replying to messages, calls or emails, or being distant
Talking about not being around any more
More risk-taking behaviour
Holiday & wellbeing reminders:
Reach out to the people you care about:
- Tell a loved one how much you appreciate them
- Catch up with a friend you haven't seen in a while
- Make plans with people on New Year's Day
- Give presents that are sentimental (gifts don’t have to be expensive, just thoughtful)
- If you know someone who is on their own for the holidays this year, invite them to join you and your family for Christmas day
Prioritise your wellbeing and self-care:
- Go for a run or walk in nature
- Exercise with your friends or local community
- Make your favourite foods and treats for yourself
- Set boundaries and enjoy a balance of socialising with others and enjoying your alone time
- If you are struggling, talk to someone you trust and don’t be afraid to ask for help!
If you or someone you know is in need of crisis support contact:
Lifeline on 13 11 14
MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78
13YARN (13 92 76) Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
The Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636