Christmas and the holidays can be challenging times for many.
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Christmas, for many, is about connections. Still, sometimes that connection might not be with our traditional family but with our chosen one.
And that's a perfectly acceptable way to enjoy your Christmas, said one mental health advocate.
"Chosen family are the people we choose to have in our lives," Headspace Horsham Youth Engagement and Community Awareness Officer Trina Gloury said.
"They are the people who support us, bring us joy and make us feel safe. We may not be related to them, but our connection with them is just as strong."
Ms Gloury said Christmas with your chosen family or alone can be a healthy solution.
"It's important to set boundaries for yourself and not to put yourself in situations that may heighten negative feelings or anxiety," she said.
"If you do have strained relationships with family it's OK to put that boundary in place if it's good for your mental health."
Ms Gloury said you can still make the day as special as you want it to be or not want it to be.
"You can do some of your favourite things," she said.
"Maybe get a big puzzle for the day, put your favourite Christmas movies on.
"Whatever hobbies a person may enjoy is a great way to still have a positive experience rather than feeling pressure to do something that won't be positive for yourself."
If this is your first time celebrating Christmas with your chosen family, Ms Gloury said creating new traditions can make Christmas a "special time."
"If you have a tradition you would have normally done with your family you can still reflect on that or incorporate it with your chosen family but coming up with new traditions is really great," she said.
"Be present in the moment. If you're feeling a bit sad, it's OK to acknowledge that. We all have feelings and it's OK to acknowledge them in a healthy way."
Some people, especially teenagers, cannot take an alternative route for Christmas.
Ms Gloury said to reach out to your support networks if you are struggling.
"Don't not acknowledge your feelings in those moments," she said.
"If you need to take a break, step out of the room. If you have a close friend or chosen family - give them a call, have a facetime and debrief if you need to. Give yourself the space to be OK in that moment."
Mr Gloury suggested journaling to get your feelings out in a healthy way and that remaining grounded is important to get through Christmas if it's a hard time for you.
"They are our bread and butter for general maintaining of a healthy headspace," she said.
"Routine, keeping a routine in place is important. Call a friend or go for a walk. These can be really impactful and helpful."
Youth counsellor Helen Dickson said planning will help if you are in a "situation that isn't ideal."
"Remember it is okay to set boundaries. Set a plan to visit for just an hour. Having a plan and mentally preparing can help you get through it," she said.
"One way to mentally prepare is to think about it in the following way: With whatever you are feeling, Recognise it. Name it. Think about it for a minute. And then move on. Don't dismiss how you feel, but be sure to move forward and not sit in the negativity."
For those who do not wish to celebrate Christmas Day at all, Ms Gloury said to try to disconnect.
"While social media can be really a positive platform at times for connection it can also be a really negative source when it comes to comparison," she said.
"If we're looking at social media and being bombarded with images about people celebrating with family or even the materialistic side where we are seeing lots of presents and gifts, and we're seeing a reality that maybe we're not experiencing, it can make us feel worse.
"I would encourage people to take a break if that's what they feel like that's what they need, if it's making them feel worse. Put the phone down and go do something else that brings you joy."
Ms Gloury said a community Christmas lunch is a great way to connect.
"The Uniting Church is hosting a luncheon, so for people who don't want to be alone on Christmas but don't have somewhere to go, it's a wonderful way to find connection on Christmas and still get to enjoy some of the traditions," she suggested.
These services are still running over Christmas Day:
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Mensline 1300 789 978
- Kidsline 1800 55 1800
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467