NAVIGATING HOLIDAY STRESS: FIVE ESSENTIAL TIPS TO HELP VETERANS ENJOY THE SEASON
Dealing with the holidays means also overcoming the stress the season may bring. For Veterans, holiday stress may look both similar and different to other civilians, but what’s really important is how you deal with it. Things that can negatively impact your mental health are all around during this time of year but preparing can help you overcome these hurdles and enjoy the festivities all that much more.
5 Tips to Help Veterans Combat Holiday Stress
Each Veteran experiences holiday stress in their own way. While some stress is natural and even good, activities that negatively affect your well-being are never acceptable.
The good news is that stress around the holidays can be overcome with planning, the right tools, and a bit of help. Here are five tips Veterans should know to maximize their holiday season:
1. Recognize the Signs
If you’re going to improve your mental health then the first thing you need to do is understand what to look out for during the holiday.
Stressful holiday experiences can lend themselves to present a variety of negative mental health symptoms, including feeling tired, drinking to excess, headaches, irritability, trouble sleeping, eating too much or too little, and feeling on edge, or worrisome.
All of these symptoms and more may point to anxiety or depression, both commonly experienced by Veterans and non-Vets alike during the holiday season.
Recognizing the signs can help you find the right resources to help overcome holiday stress throughout the season. This brings us to our second point…
2. Keep Resources Handy
Coping looks different for everyone but having safe, reliable methods for dealing with stress during the holidays is important for everyone’s well-being.
If knowing the signs of negative mental health is the first step, the next one is to have the resources you need on hand just in case:
- Take a confidential risk assessment by clicking the link to determine whether or not you’re dealing with depression or stress this holiday season.
- The Veterans Crisis Line is available during the holidays. Professionals are waiting 24/7 and can be reached by dialing 988, then pressing 1, texting 838255, or via chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat. You do not have to be enrolled in VA healthcare to use these services.
3. Make An Effort to Reach Out
Overall, 38% of adults experience holiday stress and of that group, 21% of them use isolation to cope, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).
While there is nothing wrong with taking a break from the many social events that come with the season, more on that later, isolating completely can be detrimental to your mental health.
Surrounding yourself with loved ones who care about you can be difficult because it can often feel like even they don’t understand, but studies have shown the power of being social on mental health.
Guilt is another factor often leading to Veterans staying away from others. There’s a listlessness that can set in but this can be overcome by making an effort to connect with others.
If you can’t be home for the holidays with friends and family, neighbors and Veteran community groups may also be available.
Furthermore, thanks to the spread of technology, there are more ways than ever to communicate, including video chats, phone calls, texts, and social media.
4. However, You Should Still Set Boundaries
Just because you’re keeping up with family and friends and reaching out to loved ones, doesn’t mean they should get access to you at all times.
Having boundaries is good for everyone, allowing genuine interactions when you’re together and allowing you the time to rest and recharge when needed.
Saying “no” and having personal time to yourself or for certain activities is a healthy expectation everyone should respect.
Be sure to understand the healthy ways you can set boundaries during the holidays, such as taking a break from social situations, and be sure to speak to your loved ones about respecting your boundaries so that everyone is on the same page.
Remember, a boundary does you no good if you don’t maintain it. Respectfully stand firm in your decision and continue to prioritize your well-being during the holiday season.
5. Tips for Dealing With Large Crowds
Due to military training that fosters constant alertness, holiday crowds can trigger hypervigilance in Veterans.
Managing this begins with anticipating stressful situations and preparing coping strategies.
Regularly check in with your body, noticing tension or stress signals, and use grounding techniques like focusing on your surroundings or deep breathing to stay calm.
Also, you can stay calm by reminding yourself that you’re in a safe environment and focusing on the positive aspects of the holiday season.
Be sure to take breaks when needed by stepping away from crowds to recharge.
Finally, talk to trusted friends or family about supporting you and let them know how they can help when you feel overwhelmed.
Speak to Loved Ones About Holiday Stress
Whether you’re outgoing and social or an introvert, it’s likely you’ll speak with family and friends or neighbors and coworkers in some capacity this holiday season.
This is why it’s important to communicate with them in an honest, open, stern manner about how you’re feeling and the boundaries you need.
Leaning on loved ones and even acquaintances you can trust will help you not only enjoy the holidays more but also create a safe level of respect for every relationship you have.
Holiday stress doesn’t have to ruin your celebration. Veterans deserve to enjoy the holiday experience no matter how they celebrate. Use these tips and improve your mental health while engaging in the cheer this year.
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