Happy and Safe Festive Season
As the festive period approaches, it can be a time of celebration, gift giving and family togetherness: a time of joy and recuperation (hopefully). However for some people it can be a period of heightened safety risk and mental stress.
It could be that you or someone you care about are dealing with a loss, isolation, family conflict, financial difficulties, loneliness or mental health issues. These factors can, in some circumstances, lead to family violence, drink/ drug driving, feelings of loneliness and poor mental health outcomes. In addition, this is a period of increased workplace fatalities and serious injuries.
However, there are some steps you can take to help manage stress and anxiety during the festive period.
The Victorian Better Health site provides tips to reduce festive season stress specially tackling:
Reducing the stress of Christmas cards and mail
The Commonwealth Health Direct site provides advice and resources on stress, anxiety, and loneliness as well as dealing with feelings of grief and sadness.
Beyond Blue also provides help on coping with Christmas.
Deakin also provides information, tools and support that will help you and those around you keep safe and healthy during the Festive season.
EAP (Employee Assistance Program: Free counselling for all Deakin Staff)
Deakin advice relating to health and wellbeing including mental health and alcohol
Domestic and Family Violence support for Deakin Staff and Students
Working (and playing) safely outdoors during summer
Fire Safety Plan procedure and guidance for staff working in the field on high fire risk periods
