They come every year whether we’re ready or not… the holidays. The holiday season is marketed as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but it can also be one of the most stressful times of the year. Purchasing gifts, preparing special recipes, decorating inside and out, and attending large family or social gatherings can be expensive, exhausting, hectic and overwhelming.

While many environmental and life factors can increase stress, this time of year can highlight mental health concerns, like depression and anxiety, as it can be a time of self-reflection, loneliness and sadness. Specifically for Veterans, the holidays can enhance difficulties adjusting to civilian life, exacerbate posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, put a focus on certain dates or anniversaries, and induce guilt.

Veterans are at risk for suicide and are more likely to die from suicide than their civilian counterparts. The suicide rate among veterans is 1.5 times higher than that of the general population. With young men ages 18 to 34 at the highest risk. The suicide rate in this group increased by 95.3% between 2001 and 2020.

However overwhelming this season can be, there are ways to focus on your mental health and keep your stress levels in check over the next few weeks.

Here are some of the symptoms of depression:

• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches
• Excessive drinking
• Overeating

Here are some of the symptoms of anxiety:

• Feeling restless, wound up, or on edge
• Being easily fatigued
• Having difficulty concentrating
• Being irritable
• Having headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or unexplained pains
• Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep

People cope with stressful situations in different ways and can often work through them. If you feel like you might be heading toward a crisis, VA or community-based services could help.

Holidays are a time for family and cheerfulness, but it can also be a serious trigger for our veterans.  As we honored our Veterans this month, let’s also honor and think of them during what can be a tough season for those in pain.  Recognizing the warning signs and triggers is the first step to staying healthy this holiday season.  Stay in tune with what your mind and body needs this holiday season.