Open Arms available 24/7 during holiday season
With the holiday season now well and truly upon us, it’s time to kick back and enjoy some well-deserved R&R after a very busy year.
Whether you stay at home or plan to head off somewhere special, having a break generally means carefree days doing things that you enjoy surrounded by people that you love.
Sadly, not everyone finds this time of year to be joyous, particularly if you are feeling lonely, missing someone close to you, or struggling with your mental health.
Open Arms military-aware mental health crisis support is available for veterans and families right throughout this holiday time. We are staffed by trained professionals who understand military service. Anyone who is dealing with mental ill-health is encouraged to reach out for support.
Open Arms Community and Peer Program has a nationwide team of Peers who provide daily support to veterans by bringing their own lived experiences of military life, mental health struggles and recovery to help veterans and families.
We asked some of our Peers to share their thoughts on ways for veterans to enjoy the Christmas/New Period and encourage those to reach out for help if needed.
Rob:
"It can be a particularly challenging time for veterans and families, particularly those either socially or geographically disconnected to friends, family and service mates.
It’s really important to understand yourself and identify what your needs are over that period, a bit of planning goes a long way to ensuring the holiday period can be what you want it to be.
It’s also important to remember that if the holiday period is getting you down or things aren't going how you had planned, there are always people to talk to.”
Joe:
“Be kind to yourself. It can be tough, but help is out there. Connect with your mates, go on road trips, embrace your passions. If you’re still in have a hobby or passion that’s outside of Defence. It will help when you leave and start to ask the question of who you are now.”
Jess:
“My advice for anyone in the veteran community who is struggling during the holiday season is to not give up on yourself. Remember that you are worthy of help and support, even if it feels overwhelming at times. It’s important to keep putting yourself out there and seeking connections, whether through friends, family, or community resources.
“Don’t hesitate to reach out for support, as there are people ready to help you through tough times. You’re not alone in this, and taking those steps can lead to meaningful connections and positive changes. If you can’t do it for yourself, try volunteering as a way to connect with others during the holiday period and give back at the same time.”
Kristy:
“Knowing where to go, or who you can talk to if you are feeling overwhelmed can make the difference. Don’t leave it too late. If you’re already struggling or know that this time of the year can be difficult for you, reach out to someone, a friend, a family member, or an organisation like Open Arms to share the load and talk about how you’re feeling, or the struggles you’re facing.
“Having self-awareness and getting one step in front can make a big difference. Sometimes the hardest concept is not knowing where to go. Connecting in early can provide those connection points to provide additional support.”
If you know someone in the veteran community that might be struggling at this time of year, reach out and see how they’re doing. Just letting someone know that you care can make a big difference to their wellbeing.
Anyone that has served one day in the ADF or the immediate family member of someone who has, Open Arms free support is available at any time, day or night - 1800 011 046.
Safe Zone Support - 1800 142 072 - is a free and anonymous counselling line that offers 24/7 support without the need for individuals to identify themselves or be concerned that their call will be recorded. For more information please visit the Safe Zone Support web page.
If you require urgent assistance, please call 000. If you are unwell, please contact your local doctor or go to your nearest hospital.
Open Arms centres will be closed for the Christmas / New Year period from Wednesday 25 December 2024 to Wednesday 1 January 2025 inclusive and will re-open on Thursday 2 January 2025. For further mental health information and self-help tools visit this page or follow Open Arms on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
For information on other DVA service availability throughout the 2024/2025 holiday season, visit https://www.dva.gov.au/news/latest-stories/dva-services-during-holiday-season-2
From everyone at Open Arms, we wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
Other support services:
Defence Family Helpline (1800 624 608), available 24/7 or online at https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families. The Helpline is staffed by qualified human services professionals, including social workers and psychologists.
All-hours Support Line (1800 628 036), available 24/7. This is a confidential telephone service that provides access to mental health advice and referral for ADF personnel and their families.
Lifeline Australia (13 11 14), is available 24/7 or online at www.lifeline.org.au Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Kids Helpline (1800 551 800), Kids Helpline is Australia’s free (even from a mobile), confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
Head to Health has more than 500 digital resources to support your wellbeing and mental health. This national resource also has a section for serving and ex-serving ADF.