Navigating Holidays

The holiday season is often difficult for people with PTSD, but there are healthy ways to cope and manage stress.

Here are some tips from our clinicians that can help you manage your PTSD symptoms over this holiday season:

• Don't overschedule. Leave time for yourself.
• Make a plan to get things done. Set small, doable goals.
• When stressed, remind yourself of what has helped in the past.
• Use the tools from PTSD Coach app or PTSD Coach Online to help you manage stress
• Reach out for support if you need it. Know you can rely on for help. If your symptoms are getting worse or you feel down, reach out to your provider or
• If you need extra support, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1 for Veterans.

If you know someone with PTSD, there are things you can do to make sure the holiday season is pleasant and enjoyable for everyone.

• Educate yourself: Download and read Understanding PTSD and PTSD Treatment (PDF), to learn more about how PTSD affects your loved one.
• Talk to your family member about what they need to feel comfortable during the holidays. If your loved one needs services, call Coaching into Care for advice in talking to them about treatment.
• Keep important resources at hand, such as the Veterans Crisis Line, a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 988 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

VA’s National Center for PTSD and the Coaching Into Care program have partnered to study telephone coaching methods to help spouses and intimate partners of Veterans with untreated PTSD get their Veteran into mental health care. The study will provide free telephone coaching and, if assigned, access to online educational materials. Participants will be compensated up to $170 for participating.

Visit: https://www.familycoachingstudy.org to learn more about the study and complete a brief screening quiz to see if you are eligible to participate. For participant’s rights questions, contact 1-866-680-2906.

PARTICIPATE

 Bothered by a Traumatic Experience? Join a Study for Veterans

• VA Boston is inviting Veterans struggling with the effects of a traumatic experience to participate in a therapy study
• Study involves 12+ weekly therapy sessions plus additional assessment sessions
• Visits can take place virtually
• Compensation of $280-$310 for full participation
• Your participation could help improve PTSD treatment for other Veterans
• Contact Chris McGrory (Project Coordinator) at (617) 390-3397 for more information.