Key points:                                                                                         

• Family members surveyed for headspace’s new National Family Mental Health Survey reveal connecting with friends (41%) and family (39%) has the most positive effect on their young people’s mental health.
• For those with strained relationships or more complicated family dynamics, the holiday season can be one of the more difficult times of the year.
• headspace encourages young people and family to start talking about holiday stress now and to put in place strategies that will help manage that stress. 

December and January are often a time of celebration, with many family gatherings to look forward to.

For many young people, families are a huge source of support, and spending quality time with family and friends over the holidays can have a positive impact on their happiness and wellbeing. 

New findings released ahead of Christmas from headspace’s new National Family Mental Health Survey reveal that family members[1] believe connecting with friends (41%) and family (39%) has the most positive effect on their young people’s mental health.

Young people agree – in headspace’s most recent youth survey, one third (30%) of young people aged 12-25 said spending time with friends and family was the thing they looked forward to most each week.

Almost half of families (45%) are talking to their young people about mental health at least weekly. Families surveyed told headspace these conversations were most commonly about managing stress or pressure (62%).

As the holidays approach, it’s important for young people and families to begin preparing for any stresses or challenges. Having conversations early about topics like budgeting for gifts, managing alcohol consumption, or personal matters such as relationship conflicts can help set clear expectations and ease the pressure. 

While relationships are key protective factors for young people, they can also be a source of stress. 

For those who have more challenging family dynamics, amid heightened pressure for the festivities to be ‘perfect’, it can be the most difficult time of the year. Factors like the cost of living, alcohol or drug consumption, and contact with people we rarely see, can contribute to Christmas being a challenging time.

headspace National Clinical Advisor Caroline Thain says that while the holidays can be a nourishing time to spend with family, they can also be tough for many young people.

“Family relationships can be complex, and the holidays are often a time when different beliefs or old conflicts rear their heads,” Ms Thain said.

“It’s important for young people and their family to start having conversations ahead of Christmas, so everyone is aware of the pressures that are being experienced and take some steps to look after one another. For example, taking time to set some expectations about gift giving might take the pressure off young people who are feeling the weight of financial burden at this time of year.”

“Perhaps young people want to be really mindful about their consumption of alcohol this Christmas. If so, now is a good time to start talking to family and friends about anything they can do to help your decision-making about what you drink. Of course, there are other things that can be done daily towards maintaining a healthy headspace. This can include maintaining a good balanced diet to help with general wellbeing and energy levels, and getting enough sleep by maintaining a sleeping routine, for example by going to bed and waking up at around the same time each day.

“Social relationships are also really important during this time, and spending time with friends or getting involved in volunteer work, hobbies or sports can help keep you connected to your wider community. Finally, just having fun – taking on a new creative project or visiting a new place can help recharge the battery.”

The survey also found that parents and other carers typically lean on friends (54%) and other family members (47%) the most for support in helping manage their young person’s mental health and wellbeing, highlighting the important role wider families play in their young people’s lives.

It’s important that parents and families are mindful for those who might not be having the same experience as others – remembering that some people may struggle during the season. This year headspace encourages young people to:

• Plan time for self-care amidst the holiday chaos
• Connect in other ways for those feeling isolated or distanced from their usual circles
• Think about what you need on the day—preparing mentally, rather than avoiding difficult feelings
• Honour new traditions if this is the first time rituals look different, especially when dealing with loss or change
• Recognise that Christmas may not be part of everyone’s culture or tradition and approach the holidays in an inclusive way.

It’s crucial to have these conversations early to help manage expectations and create a supportive environment for everyone. 

With centres available across regional and metropolitan Australia, as well as online and phone counselling services, headspace is dedicated to supporting every facet of young people’s mental health and wellbeing, ensuring they have comprehensive resources to navigate their journey.

headspace encourages any young person to visit their local headspace centre. Support is also available via phone and online counselling service eheadspace seven days a week between 9am–1am (AEST). The number is 1800 650 890. 

If you’re looking for someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) are available to talk 24/7.

[1] headspace understands that family is defined uniquely by each young person as their own personal ‘circle of care’. This can include parents, caregivers, siblings, partners, Elders, mentors and any others who young people see as playing a significant emotional, cultural or other role in their life.