This holiday season, NSW Health is calling on NSW residents to look out for their neighbours, especially if they live alone, are bereaved, or separated from family.
Chief Psychiatrist Dr Murray Wright said the holiday season is not a universally joyful occasion and there will be people in our neighbourhoods experiencing loneliness, grief and stress.
“Don’t underestimate the power of giving others your time, your conversation or inviting them to share a meal with your family,” Dr Wright said.
“They’re among the most important gifts we can give each other. Positive, healthy relationships have a direct impact on our sense of wellbeing. They can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and boost our self-esteem.
“In contrast, loneliness is a risk factor for depression and thoughts of suicide.
“Make an extra effort this holiday season to be there for older members of your community; young people who don’t have strong relationships with their parents; people whose loved ones have died recently; and people in financial difficulties.
“You cannot solve their problems but your time, companionship and consideration could reassure them that they’re not alone in their time of stress or heartache.
“If you are someone who’s struggling, and perhaps having thoughts of suicide, please don’t struggle alone or in silence.
“Please turn to people you trust, talk to your GP or call a 24-7 crisis line, such as Lifeline, Suicide Call Back Service or Kids Helpline.
“It might seem hard to believe at this precise moment, but life can get better and you can rediscover hope for your future.”
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please contact the below services:
Lifeline: 24/7 support 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service: 24/7 support 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline: 24/7 support for children or young adults 1800 55 1800
NSW Mental Health Line: For referrals to local mental health services by local mental health professionals 24/7, call 1800 011 511
Maroubra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) is now open The Maroubra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) is now open, seven days a week, from 8.00am to 8.00pm. It was officially launched by member for Kingsford Smith, the hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP (pictured at the launch with CESPHN CEO Nathalie Hansen…
Media Release: Central and Eastern Sydney PHN releases Healthy Ageing Strategy to empower older people In response to the increasing longevity and rapid growth of the older population the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) is proud to release its new Healthy Ageing Strategy 2023-2028. This comprehensive strategy…
Launch of new Australian Guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk The 2023 Australian Guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk, and associated Australian cardiovascular disease risk calculator (Aus CVD Risk Calculator), will become the new standard of care for the primary prevention of CVD in Australia. This…
At CESPHN we value your feedback and invite you to complete the 2023 stakeholder engagement survey At CESPHN, we value your feedback and invite you to complete the stakeholder engagement survey on our service delivery and communication over the past 12 months. This short survey only takes five minutes and…
CESPHN Healthy Ageing Strategy 2023-28 has been released The Central and Eastern Sydney PHN has developed a Healthy Ageing Strategy to empower older people in our region to live more active and fulfilling lives, enabled by inclusive communities, and supported by integrated person-centred health and social services. Healthy ageing relies…
NSW community urged to be on alert amid rise in listeriosis NSW Health is reminding people who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or aged over 65 years to avoid foods that can cause listeriosis, following several confirmed cases of listeria infection in NSW. Listeriosis infection, which comes from consuming food contaminated with…
CESPHN Primary Health Awards: 2023 Finalists and Winners announced At a packed event last night at the Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea, CESPHN held its annual Primary Health Awards. CESPHN’s multicultural community was reflected in our numerous and diverse submissions. All immensely impressive. The winners, announced at the awards event,…