Overdoses were the tragic start to the new year for some Wagga residents as emergency staff worked to save them.
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While most residents in Wagga and the Riverina celebrated the new year without trouble, many still found themselves in the emergency department at hospital after things went too far.
It was a busy, but normal, night for New Year’s Eve, said acting director of emergency Stephen Wood.
“We had a lot of mental health presentations and it’s very sad for a lot of people this time of year, especially if they’re estranged from their friends and their family,” Dr Wood said.
“Unfortunately, once again we had a lot of alcohol-related incidents, but it hasn’t been an increase on previous years.”
A lot of the incidents stemmed from assaults, including broken bones, while others self-harmed through overdoses, in what Dr Wood said is a tragic consequence of mental health and chronic sadness.
Wagga clinical psychologist Gene Hodgins said expectations are often a trigger.
“Especially with social media, the perception is everyone else is happy, they’re with their family and things are great,” Associate Professor Hodgins said.
“For those without those connections, they feel really alone, and it could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.”
Wagga Family Support counsellor Julie McDermott said turning to gambling, drugs and alcohol is one way, albeit an unhelpful one, to try to escape pain.
“It’s a new year and 2018 could be the chance for people who feel vulnerable to be gentle on themselves,” Ms McDermott said.
“Be nice to yourself. There’s a saying that it’s hard to be happy when someone is being mean to you, especially when that someone is yourself.”
The experts suggest ways of fortifying oneself against low moments include getting social support, talking to a trusted friend, GP or counsellor, and exercise, even a simple walk in the fresh air.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24hrs/7 days a week)
- Access Line: 1800 011 511 (24hrs/7 days a week)
- Gambling Help: 1800 858 858 (24hrs/7 days a week)
- Wagga Family Support: (02) 69216104, M: 0459 139 668 (please leave a message)