Coping With PTSD and Holiday Stress
The holiday season can be a time for celebration and gatherings with family and friends, but for some it can bring an overwhelming feeling of stress. Here are a few simple things you can to do manage challenges you may face, or to seek ways to talk to a friend or loved one who may be going through a difficult time…
From the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Office for Suicide Prevention
December – January Partner Newsletter Content
The holiday season can be a time for celebration and gatherings with family and friends, but for some it can bring an overwhelming feeling of stress. So it’s important to learn simple things you can to do manage challenges you may face, or to seek ways to talk to a friend or loved one who may be going through a difficult time.
Take small steps to manage stress. Understanding common holiday stress triggers — such as financial problems or relationship issues — can help you plan to alleviate them. If you know the season can be challenging for you, try a few of these tips:
Be kind to yourself. Remember to take time for yourself as much as you can.
Keep expectations manageable. Set realistic budget goals, and don’t pack in too many activities.
Get enough sleep. If you’re having difficulty sleeping, learn from others who have been there too: MakeTheConnection.net/Symptoms/Trouble-Sleeping.
Eat and drink in moderation, and try to avoid alcohol if you are feeling anxious or depressed.
If you’re feeling lonely, reach out to a friend, family member, or co-worker.
Get some exercise — even if it’s only a short walk.
Connect with family members and friends. If you’re concerned about a family member or friend who seems to be going through a difficult time, remember that even small actions can make a difference. You don’t need to be an expert to show you care or to safely talk about crisis.
Be there, whether it’s making a quick call, meeting for coffee, or delivering a meal during a hectic holiday season. Learn more about the simple things you can do to support the Veteran or Service member in your life: VeteransCrisisLine.net/BeThere.
Start the conversation. If you’re struggling to broach a difficult topic with a Veteran loved one, the Coaching into Care national call center can help. Talk to a coach who will help you determine the best way to help the Veteran in your life connect with care.
Know where to find support if you need it. If you or a loved one experiences increased stress during the holidays, take time to learn about mental health and suicide prevention resources.
MakeTheConnection.net features stories of recovery from Veterans who have connected with care and overcome the same types of challenges that you or a loved one may be facing, including feelings of anxiety and hopelessness and the pain of trauma,loss, and physical or emotional wounds.
Veterans and their family members can get support in their communities. Use this Resource Locator to find your local VA medical center and a variety of other resources including counseling, treatment centers, and your nearest VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator.
Learn when emotions require more serious attention. During challenging times of year, it’s important to recognize when emotions reach a crisis point — especially when thoughts of suicide arise. Although many factors can lead to suicide, stress, depression, feeling overwhelmed, and isolation can heighten these feelings until they are impossible to handle alone.
Learn to recognize warning signs in yourself or someone you care about. If you notice the signs of crisis in yourself or a Veteran loved one, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800- 273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text to 838255 to get confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The holidays can be a trying time, but there are small actions you can take and resources that can help. Remember that being there for others or taking time to focus on yourself can make a difference — and could even save a life.
