Aussie Psychologists Help Families Celebrate Lunar New Year

Mental health professionals across Australia are sharing strategies to help families make Lunar New Year celebrations more meaningful and less stressful this year.

Maria Cassaniti, who manages NSW's Transcultural Mental Health Centre in western Sydney, says the two-week festival brings excitement but can also create pressure. The good news? Asian Australian communities have become much more aware of mental health's importance during cultural celebrations.

Several psychologists spoke with SBS News ahead of the festival to offer guidance. Their tips focus on practical ways to enjoy family time while protecting your wellbeing.

Sydney psychologist Christopher Tran says young Asian Australians sometimes face tough questions about marriage and careers from older relatives. His advice is simple: remember that family members carry their own values and anxieties, and you get to choose how much to let in.

Veronica Ing, another Sydney-based psychologist, suggests practising calming exercises before family dinners. Coming in with a higher tolerance means you're better equipped to handle emotional triggers during gatherings.

The experts agree on setting time limits for visits and having an exit plan if needed. They also emphasize that people can choose whom they celebrate with, which removes pressure to attend every gathering.

The Bright Side

For international students and migrants who might feel lonely during the festival, researchers found positive solutions too. Dr Eric Fu from the University of Melbourne discovered that Chinese international students successfully use social media apps like WeChat and Xiaohongshu to build connections with peers and stay close to families back home.

Fu's research shows that even small online interactions, like someone liking your post, can help people feel less isolated. He encourages students to explore their local neighbourhoods and community spaces during the festival period.

The growing openness about mental health in multicultural communities means more families are having honest conversations about boundaries and expectations. Cassaniti notes this shift represents real progress in how Asian Australian families approach holiday celebrations.

These expert strategies are helping thousands of families across Australia look forward to Lunar New Year with genuine excitement rather than dread.