Wellbeing

The Mixed Blessings of Christmas Time

By Anne Way Email this article

After an action packed Term 4, we now find ourselves planning for Christmas only a matter of days away. As always the close of the 2016 school year gives us pause to reflect on and celebrate individual and collective progress, success, and achievement across a diverse array of academic, extra and co-curricular events and experiences. It is also appropriate that we reflect on the challenges, sadness and losses that have been experienced along the way this year.

Christmas is a festive and joyous time with celebrations shared with family and friends, however, this can also be an emotionally challenging time. This year, many families in the Mercedes College community have experienced serious illness, family separation, or the death of someone close and so Christmas time can bring with it many mixed emotions from happiness to be with people we hold dear, yet sadness that loved ones no longer with us will be absent from those celebrations. The range of bitter sweet emotions at this time can make it difficult to know just what to feel, how to cope and where to turn.

The religious celebrations of Christmas time can help to reinforce a sense of community and connectedness, particularly for those who may be feeling alone and isolated. Connecting with our spiritual lives can also be a source of great emotional comfort.

This is the time of year when those who are struggling or grieving may need extra support, care and understanding, and need the support of family and friends.  Additional support may also be required and a range of telephone counselling support services are available including Lifeline (131 114), Kids Help Line (1800 551 800), and Crisis Care (131 611). There are also some very useful websites that can offer advice and strategies including:

Headspace
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue youth page
Reachout

In addition counselling services such as Centacare Catholic Family Services at Wakefield Street Adelaide (8210 8200) are able to be contacted for personal support, with the office closed from 1:00pm on 23 December, 2016 and reopening at 9:00am on 3 January, 2017.

As yet another busy and full school year draws to a close I would like to extend my very best wishes to all members of the Mercedes College community for a happy and peace filled Christmas time and a safe and relaxing start to the New Year. I look forward to renewing our contact in 2017.

Christmas blessings.

Anne Way     
R-12 College Psychologist