Holidays?
Nativity scene with Jesus.
Can having PTSD be exacerbated during the holidays such as Christmas and New Year? Without hesitation, a resounding ‘yes’ must be inserted here.
Think about it, large crowds for shopping, although some of this has been managed through an online venue, and other things such as COVID, but large crowds generally congregate around shopping seasons such as Christmas. These can be extremely difficult for someone with PTSD, or other social anxieties as outlined in the DSM.
The joyfulness of the season may bring about such painful memories for the veteran. A News article from CNN had headlines that read - BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) - at least two explosions shook central Baghdad near coalition military headquarters about 6:23 a.m. Thursday local time (10:23 p.m. ET Wednesday), according to a U.S. soldier inside the compound. The article continued by stating - ‘Loud sirens blared after the explosions as the sun began to rise over the Iraqi capital on Christmas morning.
http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/12/24/sprj.irq.main/index.html
Even as I wrote that, I became uneasy in my skin, writing about something that has impacted so many people, from soldiers, civilians, Iraqi families, and the world as it was televised.
So? PTSD can be a factor during the holidays, especially during substantial holidays where a triggering episode took place.
What can be done?
Let me offer a couple of suggestions as we now enter in and close the gap before Christmas day.
Talk with your family about what you are experiencing emotionally, spiritually, physically as you think about the holidays, the impact on you, and potentially on them.
As we learn to be transparent and vulnerable with our family, we can begin to help them understand the experiences we may have. Perhaps we can also understand why we have them ourselves and further the hope for healing to happen in our life.
Get lots of rest.
I am never more dangerous to anyone (including myself) than when I am exhausted. I need to get rest. It sounds simple, but talk to your family so they understand, and then go take a nap.
Stay away from crowds that may trigger you.
If crowds trigger you, as they do for me sometimes, stay away. Shop online if possible, or if you have to go out shopping - choose smaller stores and the slowest days of the shopping week (again if possible).
Stay clear of intoxicating beverages since those can heighten the response.
Drink water, it is revitalizing and hydrating which your body will need to be clear and available, this may help think more clearly rather than drinking a beer which can dull your senses and heighten anger responses.
The Bible says this, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1, NKJV).
These are (hopefully) helpful suggestions to consider. I know that each person has different triggering struggles during these seasons (and others in their life). Stay the course, and don’t walk alone. Develop new and healthy relationships with your mind, soul, body, and spirit. Healing is possible.
Be blessed!
National Veterans Crisis Hotline: 800-273-8255, press 1
National Women Veterans Hotline: 855-829-6636