Many people think of the holiday season happily, a time full of friends, family, and festivities. For many veterans, however, this time of the year can be challenging and triggering – exacerbating symptoms of existing mental health conditions or triggering underlying ones. Whether you are a veteran or love a veteran in your life, understanding these reasons and learning strategies to cope with them is the best way to prepare for navigating the holiday season.
Here's how the holidays can trigger mental health conditions in veterans, and how to help:
How can the holidays be a difficult time for veterans?
Some mental health conditions that veterans face are more common than others, often due to the trauma of military combat, service-connected injuries, and other service-related factors. The following are several reasons why the holidays can be a difficult time for veterans:
Flashbacks of painful memories: Veterans who have experienced combat may experience flashbacks of painful experiences as a result of the holidays. Sensory aspects such as fireworks around New Years Eve or bright holiday lights can be triggering for those who experience PTSD.
Changes in daily routines: The holidays can bring disruptions to our daily routines – something that can trigger anxiety and PTSD in veterans who are used to maintaining the same schedule for their own comfort. As well, if they suffer from a chronic physical condition, this can disrupt that too and worsen mental health as a result (PTSD is connected to physical symptoms too).
Social isolation: Community is very important for veterans – and sadly, many of them struggle with social isolation after transitioning back into civilian life. The holidays can amplify this feeling, whether the veteran is actually alone or feeling isolated by the company of friends or family who aren't able to understand what they're going through.
Grief: If veterans have lost friends during military service, the holidays may bring up stronger feelings of grief and loss that can heighten the symptoms of other mental health conditions. Amid a time with a heavy emphasis on family and friends, it can make the loss seem even more painful.
How veterans can cope during the holiday season
If you're a veteran coping with a mental health condition, here are a few things you can do this holiday season to make it through more peacefully:
Plan out your holiday season: In the same way you might have a normal daily schedule, make an updated one for the holiday season to stay on top of things. What events will you attend, and where? Planning things ahead of time can reduce anxiety and bring a comfortable sense of control.
Practice mindfulness and grounding techniques: Mindfulness is the practice of staying in the present moment – and while it sounds simple, it can be very impactful in bringing about a sense of calm. Meditation, breathing exercises, and also journaling can be effective ways to bring yourself back to the present moment amid stressful times.
Speak up and reach out to support networks: Allow others to lift you up by being open about what you are feeling and experiencing. A simple conversation can go a long way, especially when you are feeling lonely or isolated. Connecting with a friend, family member, fellow veteran, therapist, or community organization for veterans can completely turn a challenging day around.
Honor the past while creating new traditions: Veterans who struggle with grief and traumatic memories may find the holidays to be an extra difficult time. Remembering and honoring lost loved ones is an important part of the holidays. Try to create new traditions that incorporate the positive memories, such as reminiscing on the good times and connecting with others who can relate.
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