Holidays and Veterans: Navigating Emotional Well-Being During Festive Times

Published On: December 2, 2024

While the holiday season can be a joyous time filled with family, gifts, and celebrations, it can also strain mental and emotional well-being. For veterans, celebrating the holidays, reconnecting with loved ones, and coping with distressing memories can evoke complex emotions. Establishing how to manage and maintain emotional well-being can allow veterans to find peace and comfort this holiday season.

Understanding the Emotional Impact of the Holidays on Veterans

The holidays symbolize celebration, togetherness, and gratitude, but for some military veterans, the season can heighten feelings of loneliness and loss. Veterans may experience:

Triggers from past experiences
Grief and loss
Difficulty transitioning
Heightened stress
Loneliness and isolation
Financial pressure
Overwhelming expectations
Depression and anxiety

Sights, sounds, people, and specific environments can trigger distressing memories of combat or military service for veterans. With so many family members and friends celebrating with one another, this can evoke feelings of grief and loss for military veterans. Reflecting on loved ones no longer present or fallen comrades can be especially sentimental during the holidays.

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can generate feelings of disconnection at holiday gatherings, heightening loneliness and isolation. The holidays can also be financially overwhelming, with gift-giving, holiday cooking, traveling, and other expenses.

The pressure to create and have a “perfect” Christmas or holiday experience with loved ones can feel unattainable. Overwhelming expectations may add stress and anxiety to the holiday festivities.

Identifying Signs of Emotional Distress in Military Veterans

Recognizing the signs of emotional distress is crucial for timely intervention and treatment. Emotional distress is often a result of a crisis, mental health issue, or stressful circumstances. Veterans and their loved ones should remain aware of the signs and symptoms, such as:

Trouble sleeping or eating
Increased irritability or anger
Social withdrawal
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies
Feelings of sadness, guilt, or anxiety
Excessive drug or alcohol use
Depression, suicidal ideation, or self-harm

While most symptoms of stress are temporary, some can have a long-lasting impact on veterans. The holidays can heighten emotional stress for veterans in more ways than one. Financial pressures, social expectations, and past trauma can exacerbate holiday stress, heightening the risk of substance abuse and mental health issues.

Strategies for Improving Emotional Well-Being During the Holidays

Holiday events and expectations can damage physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being. Without intervention and prevention strategies, it can be easy to fall into this neverending cycle of emotional distress. However, veterans can navigate the holiday season with hope and resilience with practical coping techniques, self-care, a strong support system, and preparation.

1. Prioritize Self-Care and Wellness

Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being extends beyond traditional self-care practices. Prioritizing your health and wellness means getting 7-9 hours of sleep, maintaining a well-balanced diet, and prioritizing daily exercise. Healthy eating and regular physical activity can improve mood and overall health and well-being.

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety. Establishing a healthy routine and coping techniques can help prevent veterans from seeking unhealthy outlets like drugs or alcohol.

2. Create Realistic Expectations

Instead of focusing on expectations for a “perfect holiday,” focus on meaningful activities and gatherings. This will allow you to simplify holiday traditions and enjoy the season without overwhelming your schedule and mental health.

Budget your holiday commitments and expenses wisely to avoid financial strain and heightened stress. Set boundaries with family members and friends by limiting your obligations and learning to say no. Let go of the need for everything to go perfectly and to control every outcome.

3. Focus on Healthy Connections

A strong support system is essential for military veterans, especially during challenging times like the holidays. Prioritizing healthy social connections with close friends, family, or VA communities can help reduce feelings of loneliness.

Contact loved ones via phone or meet in person to maintain connections and combat isolation. Attend volunteer events or local activities to provide a sense of purpose and connection during the holidays. Talk to a mental health therapist or counselor if emotions become too overwhelming. Attending therapy offers coping skills to help combat “the winter blues” and avoid worsening depression, isolation, and anxiety.

4. Plan Ahead for Holiday Gatherings

If you are attending a holiday event or family gathering that might trigger you, start planning how you will handle the situation. An exit strategy can provide comfort and reassurance when entering unfamiliar or uncomfortable environments. Bringing a supportive friend or family member to a holiday party can help ease unwanted emotions or feelings.

If you don’t have any holiday traditions or activities to attend, create your own. If you know you will be experiencing feelings of sadness and loneliness, this will give you something to look forward to. Connect with a veteran support group to meet others who understand and may be experiencing the same thing you are.

Veterans Addiction Treatment Program in Palm Beach Gardens, FL

If you or a loved one are a veteran struggling with their emotional well-being this holiday season, help is available. Palm Beach Gardens Recovery veterans addiction treatment in South Florida offers trauma therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness and meditation, and more.

Our caring and supportive team of addiction and mental health professionals is here to help you heal your life from addiction. If you’re battling an SUD, reach out today to learn more about our veteran’s drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs in North Palm Beach.