Stress and the holidays often go hand-in-hand. This may be especially true if you have PTSD.
Holidays are usually a time when family and friends get together to share a special time with each other. However, there are many other events that have become associated with the holidays that may not be as pleasant -- such as going shopping, spending money, preparing large meals, and attending multiple social gatherings. These experiences can be stressful, and if you have PTSD, you may find it particularly difficult to cope with these types of events.
In particular, many of these events may be triggers (for example, seeing or being reminded of certain family members) and bring up feelings of fear and anxiety or other symptoms of PTSD. You may also feel cut-off or detached from others. Some people with PTSD may even have difficulties experiencing positive emotions, such as joy and happiness. Being surrounded by others who are happy and not anxious may further make you feel as though you don't quite "fit in."
Therefore, it is very important for you to learn how to cope with the holidays. One way of doing so is by changing the meaning of the holidays.
Changing What the Holiday Means to You
Holidays are a time for celebration, and this can occur in a number of different ways. It does not necessarily have to involve getting together with family or friends. You can celebrate the holidays in many different ways. That is, redefine what the holidays mean to you. For example, you can:
- Come up with your own personal rituals that allow you to connect with the spirit of the holiday season (for example, going to church, donating money to charities, etc.).
- Donate some of your time at a homeless shelter or at a hospital for veterans. Helping others has been found to have a positive impact on PTSD symptoms and reducing the effect of a traumatic event.
- Spend some quiet time alone. Use a holiday break as a time to take a step back from your busy life and "recharge your batteries."
- Make a point to connect or reconnect with those people in your life that really matter. Connect with friends and family not out of obligation but out of your own desire to do so.
- If you feel uncomfortable being around large groups of family and friends but still want to reconnect with them, spend some time writing personal letters or e-mails to them instead. Let them know how much you care in another way.
These are just a few ideas of things you can do during the holidays. Spend some time just thinking about what the holidays really mean to you, and then try to come up with ways that you can connect with that. In the end, you may prevent undue stress and anxiety while at the same time increase feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
