SA Lifeline counsellor, Leda Kalleske embraces Xmas caller deluge from the lonely during holiday period

Lifeline’s Leda Kalleske explains how her early life led her to volunteering as a crisis counsellor and how Christmas has a sharp uptick in the number of people calling for help.

Volunteer Lifeline counsellor Leda Kalleske in the Lifeline call centre. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Leda Kalleske knows this time of year is a busy one for Lifeline counsellors.

“People call who are in pain” she said.

At Christmas time calls to Lifeline go up about 10%.

It’s estimated that about 3,200 people will call Australia’s leading suicide prevention service across the nation on Christmas Day - that’s one call every 27 seconds, as well as about 600 to 700 text messages.

“This time of year is a beautiful joyous time of year, but we notice around the holiday season things like loneliness creep in. It can bring up a whole load of pain” Leda said.

And at Christmas, she says, that pain often stems from a lack of connection.

Volunteer Lifeline counsellor Leda Kalleske in the Lifeline call centre. Picture: Kelly Barnes

“Loneliness can be a real beast - it takes a hell a lot of courage to call Lifeline. Connection goes a really long way and when you’re feeling like you can’t cope just having some to listen can help,” Leda said.

Loneliness might be more acute over the Christmas period, but it’s a common and increasing feeling among those in the community.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in 2022, just over 1 in 6 (16%) Australians were experiencing loneliness.

Those who call Lifeline on any given day are also likely, as the organisation says, are “not to have a strong sense of connectedness with others.”

76% of calls are from people who have never been married, are divorced, separated or widowed. 41% are not in the labour force and 52% are living alone

For Leda, this time of year, she reflects on Christmas without her Father who she lost as a teenager.

Her father, whose cause of death was never determined, had suffered from a mental illness throughout much of her life.

“When I started volunteering with Lifeline, I got to the point when I wanted to contribute,” she said.

“My Father had his demons. I didn’t know how to help him. As a young person it was very hard to know what to do. But I know how I can help now. I want to contribute and help those who are in pain, I want to give back. Don’t hesitate, pick up the phone, call us.”
“Sometimes it’s just enough to have that person, listen and help you find new hope.”

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Originally published as SA Lifeline counsellor, Leda Kalleske embraces Xmas caller deluge from the lonely during holiday period