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Christmas not always the most wonderful time of the year

December 24, 2015

Youth development organisation Youthline is encouraging people to reach out if they’re feeling low this holiday season.

Youthline is open over the holiday period, including on Christmas Day ensuring young people and their families have access to support if they need it.

Despite traditionally being a joyful time of year, for some people it can be quite lonely. Youthline urges people to look out for one another.

In recognition that this time of year can be tough, Youthline volunteer Kinanti Desyanandini, 17, has developed a Holiday 101 guide for young people.

Christmas, New Year and summer holidays can be a difficult time for young people. The guide aims to offer some ideas about how to look after yourself this holiday season.

It is a collection of Youthline resources; topics include dealing with family, friends, relationships, difficult thoughts and feelings, communication and self-care.

Desyanandini lives in central Auckland and has just completed her last year at Auckland Girls Grammar. She’s been a member of Youthline’s National Youth Collective since early 2015. 

“I hope the guide can help fellow young people. When I developed it I tried to make it as relatable as possible,” says Desyanandini.

Youthline National Spokesperson Stephen Bell says although this is generally considered a happy time of year, it can also be very difficult for a lot of people – young or otherwise.

“As well as the usual issues facing youth, the summer break can bring all the anxieties associated with the start of a new year, including, for many, leaving home for the first time, with the transition to university or training institutes. Others will be starting a long, difficult search for employment – in any of these situations it’s easy to feel overcome with worry.”

Alongside these concerns, the pressure and financial stress that many families experience at this time of year, combined with increased social activity where drug and alcohol intake becomes higher can negatively affect family relationships and the wellbeing of young people.

“The great thing about Youthline is that people can contact us anytime they want.  From crisis situations, to those just wanting someone to listen - we offer the chance to talk things through in a confidential, non-threatening way,” says Bell.

If you would like to connect with Youthline you can do so in the following ways:
Helpline: 0800 37 66 33
Free Text: 234

Email: talk@youthline.co.nz
GoChat service www.youthline.co.nz  available from 7pm- 11pm every night

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