The cost of living crisis is taking a heavy toll on the mental health of people in communities across Australia.
An increasing number of people are contacting Lifeline and saying, ‘I don’t have enough food to feed my family’ or ‘I’m feeling scared. I think I might be evicted. Then what will I do?’
It’s vital that people who take the positive step of reaching out to Lifeline get through to a Crisis Supporter like Chris.
“I talk to people who may have sought and even found practical help, but it’s done little to help their mental health. They’re still incredibly anxious. They don’t have the support they need to get through what may seem to be relentlessly tough times.”
As Chris says, what Lifeline offers is simple.
“People want to share how they’re feeling. They want someone to listen with empathy as they find a way forward. That’s the beauty of what we do. We’re here to listen, free of judgement and I don’t ever doubt the value or usefulness of that.”
However, right now, our service is under unprecedented pressure.
1 in 5 requests for help are going unanswered.
As financial pressures build, we’re seeing the cost of living crisis take its toll on mental health and sadly, we know that financial hardship increases the risk of someone taking their own life.
Your gift today can ensure trained Crisis Supporters like Chris are ready to listen and provide support and understanding to people in some of their darkest moments.
Chris started with Lifeline during the pandemic and is determined to keep going for as long as he can.
“I never find myself asking, ‘Is this actually helping?’”
Every conversation reminds Chris that he’s playing an important role in helping someone find hope and strength.
“You’re sharing in a moment with someone. You’re listening intently and you want people to realise how resilient they’re being. I might find myself thinking ‘I don’t know how I would be in that situation,’ and I say to them, ‘you’ve picked up the phone to Lifeline and you’re fighting to keep yourself safe.’ And you can almost hear someone think about themselves differently.”
Please help support the increasing need for Crisis Supporters like Chris, who will listen with understanding and empathy, and help more people find hope.
If you or someone you know needs crisis support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 available 24/7, visit www.lifeline.org.au or reach out to us via our text service on 0477 13 11 14 between 12pm and 12am AEDT. We’re here for you.
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