Have you noticed that the holidays are particularly way more stressful when you have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?
From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, you may experience frequent Posttraumatic Stress Disorder episodes. Unfortunately, this holds true for many people, even for my family. Typically, the holidays are known for bringing cheer, quality time with family, lavish meals, and fuzzy good feelings. And, who’s to say that those facing PTSD or CPTSD don’t have options for extra measures to keep symptoms at bay? Here lists common causes of why the holidays bring multiple triggers. Tips to prevent high levels of anxiety and stress. And, last but not least, valuable ways to prepare for triggering experiences.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Around The Holidays
Most importantly, we’ll cover the top THREE stress busting tips that both my husband and I use to this very day. And, they really work! But, before we delve into those, we cover holiday stress.
We all know that the holidays can bring added stress to our lives. Especially, for those fighting PTSD. Many of us fret holiday events with our families. Not because we don’t care about them. Of course, we love our family. But instead, it has everything to do with anxiety and socializing.
For instance, holidays and family functions can make those of us suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder feel like a total outsider. We tend to feel uncomfortable joining in on family festivities and, as a result, end up feeling even more alone and isolated. Although our family members try to include us, if the event brings back memories or makes us uncomfortable, being pushed into participating can make the feelings of isolation even more uncomfortable. In the same light, if we don’t go then we feel guilty for not attending events during the holidays. Or worse, are made to feel guilty by hearing our family member’s opinions regarding our “behavior”. Not to mention, those of us with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder really don’t do well feeling pressured into doing something that causes us these types of feelings.
Preparing For The Holidays: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Over all, if you plan on joining in on the festivities of the holidays, prepare yourself ahead of time.
- Go prepared with your coping strategies like breathing exercises, or stepping away for a few minutes to re-center.
- Tell yourself ahead of time that if your anxiety gets unbearable, that it’s okay to leave. Because, it is absolutely okay that you take care of yourself, regardless what others think. They aren’t the ones with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
- Another great way to push through a holiday event is to bring a friend who understands Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. They would be a terrific support system for you.
- Lastly, definitely take your smart phone along and stay logged into Facebook. Post on our page if you need sincere support. That’s what we are here for! In fact, I had a severe episode a week ago and I reached out to all of you on my page. It helped me so much.
Top Three Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Stress Busters
#1 Run a hot bubble bath once a week using your favorite aroma therapy products. Bath and Body Works signature line Stress Relief is the absolute best. In fact, it’s exactly what I use, time and time again. More often during the Holidays. First, draw your bath water. While your spa fills with relaxing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder grounding H20, light your Eucalyptus and spearmint candle. Then, set up your stress relieving bathing products. Next, open Spotify on your phone and start the “Songs to Listen to When Anxiety Keeps You Up” playlist. Finally, turn the lights down and slip into your much-needed bubble bath.
Doing this at least once a week does wonders for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms. Especially, relief from additional triggers around the holidays.
Stress Busting Tip #2 to Use During the Holidays
#2 Journal to get any toxic feelings or concerns out of your head. For one thing, this doesn’t have to be anything fancy. For instance, a spiral notebook would do the trick. Experts suggest writing in a journal daily is a sure-fire way to reduce stress. Especially for people battling Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms. Begin writing about your feelings, worries, and experiences in order to process any negative thoughts. I suggest letting the ink hit the paper the night before all of the events during the holidays. You will sleep so amazing! And we all know how hard it is to get proper rest with PTSD fighting against us at night.
Important to consider is that writing in a journal will be difficult at first. Particularly for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder survivors who have never done an activity like this before. However, once this new habit is in the works, spilling your feeling into a journal will be a go-to every time. For instance, it is incredibly healing. And, very successful in managing triggers and symptoms prior to attending your family get-togethers during the holidays. Processing negative thoughts, fears, anxieties, and triggers out of your mind helps in such a big way. In fact, expelling that negative trauma energy leaves you feeling completely centered and grounded.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Tip #3
#3 Habitually read positive and inspiring PTSD quotes. The very first thing to do each morning is read through several positive PTSD quotes until your smile is big and confidence is powerful. Not sure where to find them? Just click on the link “PTSD quotes”. There’s 51 incredibly enriching quotes to positively impact those facing the negatives from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The morning of your events throughout the holidays, pull these up and read a few of them. At least, until you feel empowered and confident in yourself.
So, my friend, if you are like my husband or I, the holidays can add unnecessary and definitely unwanted stress to your life. Try these top three Posttraumatic Stress Disorder “stress” relievers and find peace this joyful season. I invite you to read a couple of other valuable articles to help you through the holidays. Most importantly, through your journey of recovery
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Remission
- Residual Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
If you found any of this information helpful, please share this on your Facebook and Pinterest pages, or simply forward this article to a friend who would also benefit from less stress. Over all, I am thankful that you found our website and we’re here if you have any questions or need genuine unbridled support.
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