The festive season can be tough for some, but free mental health support is available

The festive season is not always full of joy and hope for everyone. This time of year can bring back memories of past disasters or can magnify feelings of sadness, loneliness, stress or anxiety. But there is help available.

Wentworth Healthcare, the provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, fund a range of community-based mental health services that are free to access for people of all ages.

Wentworth Healthcare CEO, Lizz Reay, said that while Christmas can be a time of excitement and joy, for some people, the increased expectations of the season can take its toll.

“Some of our communities are approaching the third anniversary of 2019/20 bushfires, some are still navigating their flood recovery, and almost everyone is continuing to face challenges resulting from the pandemic,” she said.

“The additional cost pressures of this time of year can also magnify feelings of financial stress and could be a barrier for some people to seek help for their mental health. We want people to know that they are not alone, and that free support is available,” said Ms Reay.

Read full media release