Family First NSW Leader suggests ways to avoid the ‘After Christmas Blues’
15 December 2009.
Dr Gordon Moyes AC MLC, Parliamentary Leader of the Family First Party NSW, has expressed his concern about mental health issues facing families at Christmas. He explained, “The lead up to Christmas day can be fraught with anxiety, taking a toll on even the most resilient personality.”
“ I know, from my experience setting up Wesley Mission’s Credit Line some years ago, that there are many factors that can cause depression and anxiety around the holidays, from the excitement about seeing relatives you see infrequently, having house guests, attending parties, helping at church functions, all the shopping, decorating, gift wrapping and food preparation, caring for bored kids with high expectations of what will be under the tree for them: Christmas is simply not a time of peace for most family members”, Dr Moyes stated.
“Then, after Christmas, the reality of the pending bills can be overwhelming. In addition, the sudden cutback in anticipation, planning, baking, decorating, the sudden end of the excitement, can lead to depression. Many people report feeling desperately lonely and sad, especially if they live alone, as so many do: the newly widowed, the recently divorced or separated, the unmarried, the international student far from home during the holidays. Perhaps their family and friends have all gone home for another year, all the presents have been unwrapped, the excitement about what to buy, cook, and wear is all over for another year. It is like the sudden cessation of a drug in its effect; it is a time of withdrawal from all the things that seem to make life worth living and can plunge people into despair.”
Dr Moyes added, “But it is the financial issues that are the number one issue that creates pressure on families, especially if you overspend. So, this year, be especially careful with your money. Make a budget well ahead of time, and stick to it. Don’t over commit your resources. Don’t try to get your children all the presents they want. Discuss in advance, or better yet year round, how we should not get caught up in the illusion that things will make us happy. Point out all the famous rich people ubiquitous in the media who are anything but happy, and are busy killing themselves with alcohol or drugs, with multiple marriages and divorces, serving prison time, losing product endorsements, etc.”
“Emphasise to older children who understand the concepts behind responsible green living that a ‘low carbon footprint’ Christmas would mean the family would be choosing locally grown foods, exchanging simpler presents that travelled fewer miles, required the least non-recyclable packaging, switching to LED eco-lights, buying things that would not end up in the landfill in a few weeks, or giving gifts to charity on behalf of family members from the TEAR Fund or World Vision ‘Smiles’ catalogue.”
“Financial counselling is a good option to help you get your priorities in place, and to feel more positive about being able to pay off your debts and not getting into further debt. Try not to use your credit cards to pay off other credit cards, as the interest rates are getting higher each year. For instance, the David Jones American Express Card interest rate is now 18.99%. Any compounding interest will be crippling. Plan ahead now to have a budget in place for repayments in January, February and March 2010. Financial counsellors have told me how it is not unusual for their clients to still be paying off last year’s Christmas debts when the next Christmas arrives.”
“Most of all: be willing to seek professional help. If depression is accompanied by any thoughts of death or suicide, you should seek professional help immediately, rather than just trying to cope. Depression can be both dangerous and debilitating, and should be taken seriously”, Dr Moyes emphasised.
END.
