Navigating the holiday season can feel difficult.

Money worries, relationship stresses, family dynamics, comparisons with others – Christmas can be a ‘perfect storm’ of expectations, leading to increased feelings of loneliness.

Last year, eighteen-year-old Madisson was caught up in that storm. Feeling unbearably lonely, she reached out to our text service at 9am on Christmas Eve.

In the coming weeks, Lifeline expects up to 4,000 people to turn to our crisis support services every single day. And we can only be there with your help.

With your gift today, you could help ensure that everyone has someone to talk to this Christmas.

Exchanging messages with our crisis supporter, Madisson was able to find the connection she needed in that moment. But as many young people like Madisson find, loneliness can be complicated.

And it can stir up some difficult emotions – shame, worthlessness, even despair.

Madisson reached out to Lifeline a second time that Christmas Eve. She was feeling overwhelmed with loneliness and isolation, and struggling to stay safe.

A Lifeline crisis supporter stayed with Madisson and empowered her by helping her to create a safety plan with coping strategies she could use until she found her way to safety.

Navigating the storm can be easier, when there’s someone by your side.

That’s why our phone, text and chat crisis support services need to be available 24/7 throughout the holiday season, and all year round. But we depend on your kindness.

Please help Lifeline be there – anywhere, anytime, any way – for people like Madisson this Christmas.