Christmas is often described as one of the happiest times of the year but for some it can also be the catalyst for loneliness, financial issues and relationship problems.
Lifeline's crisis call centre sees a surge of calls around this time and counsellors say they're getting more people at risk of suicide.
The call centre takes 300 calls a day around Christmas which is up to 15 per cent more than usual.
The summer months will see 28,000 calls taken.
Lifeline's Executive Director Glenda Schnell told 1 NEWS "there's expectations people have on themselves, on what Christmas, and what holidays should be like."
Lifeline say people are calling with more complex issues.
More men now phone in and there's been a surge in calls from young people.
"That's quite concerning...It's a very stressful world for a young person these days. Social media is around us all the time."
Relationship counsellor Rhonda Pritchard says Christmas tests the family relationship.
"We've got an idea, a myth or a belief about happy families and Christmas is the time when we're supposed to be fully experiencing that sense of belonging," Ms Pritchard told 1 NEWS.
"There's also bound to be and usually is some competition in the family, some stress in the family, some break ups, some estrangements."
Need to talk? 1737 – Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline – 0800 543 354
Youthline - 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Healthline – 0800 611 116
Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 or www.depression.org.nz
The Lowdown: A website to help young New Zealanders recognise and understand depression or anxiety. www.thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
SPARX.org.nz – Online e-therapy tool provided by the University of Auckland that helps young people learn skills to deal with feeling down, depressed or stressed
OUTLine NZ – 0800 688 5463 for support related to sexual orientation or gender identity
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