Christmas is considered as one of the six most stressful life events, along with divorce, moving house and changing jobs. 

Although Christmas is meant to be a happy and joyful time, this isn't how everyone feels at this time of the year. Christmas can be a stressful and depressing time for many people. Some people find that the “Christmas spirt and celebration” can be really hard. 

Our special guests for this episode are Belinda Ellis and Jackie Ashmore from ermha365.

Belinda is a registered psychologist, specialising in forensics and is ermha365s Chief practice officer. She also operates her own private practice focusing on forensic and child development psychology.

Jackie is a registered nurse who specialised in forensic and mental health nursing. Jackie is our Chief Operations Officer at ermha365. Before training as a nurse Jackie was a corrections officer in prisons.

If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• 13 YARNon 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

MORE SUPPORT

• Suicide Callback Service
• QLife(LGBTI peer support and referral)
• Beyond Blue
• Salvation Army

Produced and hosted byEmily Webb, ermha365Advocacy and External Communications Advisor with Karenza Louis-Smith, CEO ermha365.

ermha365 provides mental health and disability support for people in Victoria and the Northern Territory.

Follow ermha365 on social media:
FACEBOOK - @ermhaorg
TWITTER - @ermha365
INSTAGRAM - @ermha365

ermha365 acknowledges that our work in the community takes place on the Traditional Lands of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and therefore respectfully recognise their Elders, past and present, and the ongoing Custodianship of the Land and Water by all Members of these Communities.

We recognise people with lived experience who contribute to GET REAL podcast, and those who love, support and care for them. We recognise their strength, courage and unique perspective as a vital contribution so that we can learn, grow and achieve better outcomes together.