Coping with PTSD During the Holidays

Editor's note: This guest column was written by Dr. Harry Croft, author of "I Always Sit With My Back to The Wall."

Holidays are meant to be pleasurable times of celebration with family and friends, but unfortunately, often for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nothing could be further from reality. While everyone else is having fun, the veteran is often suffering from severe anxiety, irritability and anger. The everyday events that are expected to take place during the holidays are often enough to provoke the symptoms and problems associated with PTSD. 

  While the season may be problematic for the veteran, it can be even worse for spouses, family members and, most importantly, for children of the veteran.  The good news is there are ways to make the holidays more manageable and even enjoyable for the entire family. 

The Symptoms of PTSD During The Holidays

A veteran with PTSD experiences a variety of symptoms, many of which are particularly noticeable during the holiday season. Symptoms of PTSD include:

• Re-experiencing – the recalling of prior traumatic situations in the form of unwanted thoughts, dreams or flashbacks.  In order to avoid these unwanted thoughts, the veteran may avoid many common situations such as being at a party that may provoke them.
• Being Detached and Distant During the Holidays – the vet may be there in body but is somewhere else in mind and spirit.
• Not Wanting to Socialize During the Holidays – the veteran no longer wants to get together with others, preferring to stay isolated and alone.
• Being Easily Startled or Hyper Vigilant – even simple things like crowds become problematic for the veteran who is trying to scan the room with his eyes to avoid being surprised by someone intending to do them harm.
• Difficulty Experiencing Positive Emotions – veterans find it difficult to experience positive emotions, often feeling emotionally numb to positive events and often it’s easy to experience negative ones such as depression, anger and irritability.

And while not considered core symptoms of PTSD, other problems that are commonly experienced by veterans include depression, financial concerns, substance abuse and difficulty identifying spiritually with the holidays.

Strategies for Coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder during the Holidays

All hope is not lost, however. While dealing with PTSD during the holidays is challenging, there are strategies that can be used to help cope with the PTSD symptoms.

• Create Structure and a Sense of Control – come up with a plan that leaves the vet feeling a sense of control such as agreeing on a specific phrase to signal the veteran needs to duck out of a party due to irritability or anxiety.
• Restrict Alcohol Consumption – alcohol will intensify PTSD problems, not help them.
• Take Care of the Needs of the Children – taking care of the needs of the kids can get one worry off the mind of the veteran.

• Set up New Traditions for the Family during the Holidays – as many traditional activities may trigger PTSD symptoms, plan new traditions with all family members in mind.  If being around people bothers the vet as it does many sufferers, start a tradition to go camping or somewhere quiet where enjoying the holidays will be easier for the whole family.
• Talk to Family and Friends - Explain to them why you feel the way you do this time of year and why it’s difficult for you to become involved. 
• Support The Vet as Much or as Little as He Needs - Give the veteran as much support as he or she needs but also know when to back off and let him have his space.

But most important of all – get help for PTSD. This is the best gift you can ever give to yourself and your family. Professional help can make the holidays, and all year round, much better.

Dr. Harry Croft is a nationally-recognized expert in combat-related PTSD.  He is a former Army doctor who has evaluated more than 6,000 veterans with PTSD.  He is medical director of the San Antonio Psychiatric Research Center, has been in private practice for 35 years and just released his new book, "I Always Sit With My Back to The Wall."  For more information on dealing with and recovering from the effects of PTSD, visit www.mybacktothewall.com.

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