Beating the Holiday Blues
The holiday season can bring with it many feelings, ranging from excitement and wonder to sadness and disappointment. Anxiety about
separations or losses can be intensified during the holidays. Uncertainty about the length of deployments and mission dangers can add
to the stress of separation.
Here are some suggestions to help reduce holiday stress:
- Set realistic expectations. Sit down with family members and discuss what is important to each of you right now.
- Establish a realistic budget. Overspending can result in year-round stress and the material aspects of the holidays can be overwhelming.
- Take care of yourself. In order to take care of others, you must first take care of yourself. Eat healthy meals at regular times. Get plenty of sleep and exercise.
- Emphasize family ties. Spend extra time with your children to make them feel safe and secure. Create an online photo scrapbook for a loved one who is deployed, to share holiday images with them during or after their deployment.
- Reach out to others. Share activities and help others in your community.
Life is full of changes – some good, some bad – and it can be difficult to adjust. Identify what is important and good in
your life right now and focus on the future.
TriWest is here to help you make it though the holidays. Visit TriWest’s
Behavioral Health portal for tips and resources.
Published Date:
12/03/2008
