During this holiday season most of us spend more time with our relatives than usual. As COVID rules allow, people are moving around. We may even have visits from some relatives who we have not seen for a long time.
Here are some guidelines to help you have a peaceful time with your relatives
1 Watch the show. It is always very interesting to observe others. We don’t have to get involved in what they are saying, thinking or feeling, just observe, like watching a theater production.
2 Develop a relationship with each family member on their own. You and a grandparent or you and a cousin or you and a sibling. Have one on one conversations and outings. This simplifies the family interactions.
3 Focus on having a good time and being in the moment. If you are enjoying yourself you will be less likely to get upset about something that someone else has said or done. Added to this, people are more likely to want to relate to someone who is having a good time.
4 Ask people questions about themselves. Not only does this allow you to understand the person better, people enjoy being asked questions and sharing stories about themselves.
5 Write a journal. This can include what worked and what did not work with your interactions with relatives and what you would like to do differently next year.
Here are some emergency 24/7 numbers you require support during this time:
- Lifeline, 13 11 14, https://www.lifeline.org.au/
- NSW Mental Health Line, 1800 011 511, https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/Pages/mental-health-line.aspx
- Kids Helpline, 1800 551 800, https://kidshelpline.com.au/
- Direct Line, 1800 888 236, https://www.directline.org.au/
- MensLine Australia, 1300 789 978, https://mensline.org.au/
- Suicide call back service, 1300 659 467, https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
- Beyond Blue, 1300 224 636, https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
- Your local hospital (emergency department).
Wishing you a happy and peaceful holiday season!
I am on leave until January Monday January 9. Look forward to more time with you in your sessions during 2023!
