Little Christmas cheer for some

The festive season can be a stressful and lonely time for some, especially those in the LGBTI community, and beyondblue says vulnerable people should be around others.

Beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell has advised people who are feeling fragile to avoid drinking and taking drugs.

“For many people, Christmas holidays are a time to have fun, relax and forget about the pressures of the past year,” she said.

“For others, however, the festive season can be a time of stress, overwhelming emotional and financial pressures, disappointment or loneliness.

“Being alone at Christmas when everyone else seems to be with their families may make vulnerable people feel isolated.”

In September, Carnell said the LGBTI community experienced much higher rates of anxiety and depression than the general community due to discrimination.

For more information about where to get help over the Christmas break, call the beyondblue infoline 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.