Looking after yourself during lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is a 7-day festival based on the lunar calendar, where vibrant decorations and traditional meals are shared among friends and family
For parts of our local community who live far from their family, celebrating Lunar New Year can bring a range of emotions.
Maria Cassaniti is the Centre Manager for Transcultural Mental Health Centre and specialises in mental health and multicultural health.
Maria says many major cultural celebrations can bring joy and renewal, and at times stress and emotional difficulty for some.
“Social expectations to appear happy, family pressures, financial strain, and intergenerational tensions can make the period challenging,”
Maria said.
“The cultural emphasis on optimism and “good fortune” may cause people to hide their true feelings, which can lead to emotional or physical distress,” Maria said.
Maria explains the intersection of the cost-of-living crisis combining with the tradition of hongbao, or the giving of red packets, can create or exacerbate financial stress or strain.
“Additional expectations to buy new clothes, gifts, food and pay for travel can create considerable financial stress, particularly for those on lower incomes,” Maria said.
Maria says there are many ways to mitigate stress and still maintain a strong cultural connection to traditions in a modern world.
“Being kind to yourself and finding small, meaningful ways to mark the season can help create a sense of connection and belonging,” Maria said.
Huangyuan Chen is a bilingual clinical consultant and works for GambleAware Multicultural Service.
Huangyuan says being self-aware of potential gambling behaviours is one of the best ways you can prepare for lunar new year, if there is pressure to gamble.
“Keep a distance from people influencing you to gamble and at the same time, spend more time with people with other interests away from gambling,”
Huangyuan said.
Huangyuan encourages people to be aware of influences, as people can be socially influenced to gamble.
If you suspect a relative or a friend may have a problem with gambling, it can be helpful to have a conversation in a quiet space with some personal observations.
“For example, I noticed you spending a lot of time in the gambling venue/websites or I have noticed you’re not yourself,” Huangyuan said.
She says there are free and professional services available that can provide support.
Echoing the same calls for strong connection, Maria and her team focus on creating culturally appropriate solutions.
“You can prepare in advance by having digital gatherings with family, or send digital red packets via messaging apps or mail greetings or cards in advance,” Maria said.
The team encourage connection within a cultural framework, and with the broader community.
“You can join community events here with other friends, attend Lunar New Year events, host a small gathering or still put up decorations within their own homes,” Maria said.
“Family does not have to mean only relatives—it can include close friends or neighbours. Even a simple “Happy New Year” message or phone call can be a gentle, low-pressure way to rebuild connection and share memories,” Maria said.
Both Maria and Huangyuan spoke to SBS Online about this topic, you can find that article here: How to set boundaries and manage family expectations during Lunar New Year.