The holidays can be very difficult for current military members, veterans, and family members of military service members, so here are some helpful tips to remember:
Older veterans can sometimes become isolated from their family due to the inability to get around effectively. They might be unable to leave the VA hospital, nursing home, or be house-bound, which can lead to severe depression.
Veterans aged 55-74 have a higher rate of suicide compared to civilians of that same age group
Veterans aged 55 and older, still represent the largest number of suicides among the veteran population
Younger veterans also face many different challenges during the holidays. They might still be trying to adjust to civilian life and the holidays can add to that stress. Large crowds and lots of noise can also cause many to experience PTSD symptoms. Younger veterans might also have vivid memories of a specific date during the holidays during a past deployment and might even experience survivor’s guilt.
Veterans aged 18-34 have the highest rates a suicide
When experiencing PTSD symptoms, focus on details or a sensation, such as your feet touching the ground or the air moving in and out of your lungs
Show support for your veteran, even if that means just spending time together even if it does not include talking
Current military members home for the holidays also experience added stress for many of the same reasons that younger veterans face. Large crowds and loud noises can increase PTSD symptoms, vivid memories of exact dates from previous deployments, and survivor's guilt are all things that can make it hard for current military members. Current military members might not have the opportunity to come home for the holidays due to being on a deployment. This can be very hard for both the service member and their families.
Remember to not bombard current military service members with questions about the military and past deployments
Suicide among active duty have increased by 6% each year for the last 5 years
Suicide rates among military members are higher than civilians
Care packages to those that are deployed are always welcomed, just remember to look up what cannot be included
Family members of military service members also experience hardship during the holidays, especially if their military member is injured, deployed, or have passed away. Remember to always show respect towards the family members of military service members, because they too serve in their own way.