Holiday Health

A Veterans’ Guide for Navigating Your Mental Health During the Holidays

Homeland Magazine had a chance to sit down with Air Force Veteran Jay Russell. He is a fourth-generation military member in his family and a Veteran Liaison for American Addiction Centers.

- Why are the holidays challenging for Veterans?

Since leaving the military, some veterans struggle with personal relationships, and the holidays are when social gatherings are happening more often. During my first few years out of the military, I was a train wreck and felt like a fish out of water. Adjusting to civilian life was challenging, and it impacted my ability to nurture the relationships in my life. I dealt with depression and isolated myself from others. Many Veterans also battle PTSD, which leads them to further retreat from others. The holidays are also a reminder of the life you don’t have. You’ve sacrificed a lot, yet things didn’t turn out how you envisioned. At the same time, on social media, you are bombarded with images of seemingly happy people living their best lives, which only compounds your feelings of loneliness and sadness. However, over the years, I’ve learned to navigate the holidays. It doesn’t mean I don’t struggle at times, but I’ve learned to still make it a joyous time of year.

- What wisdom can you share from your journey?

First, I learned that you have to put effort into your happiness. It doesn’t just happen. You have to fight for it. You can’t cave into the feelings of loneliness and wanting to isolate yourself. While it may be challenging, I can tell you it’s worth it. Here are five tips I recommend during the holidays to help boost your spirits.

• Take yourself out to dinner - Even if you choose to eat alone, being in an environment where other people are can often boost your mood. It doesn’t have to be a fancy restaurant, just a place with an open dining room. I don’t care if it is McDonald’s as long as you are in contact with other humans.

You have to take baby steps, and this is a great one that has worked for me. This has allowed me to get more comfortable socializing and develop the habit of being around other people. The more you do it, the easier it will become over time. Research has shown that socialization can improve your mental health and increase your confidence and selfesteem.

• Decorate your home - When I grew up, decorating for the holidays was a big deal. However, I got away from the tradition until I realized how much better it made me feel. Decorating my home allowed me to be a part of the holiday season still even if I was celebrating alone that year. I found coming home to a bland house when everyone else on the block was into the joy of the holiday season was depressing. Now, I put on my own light show. You might be amazed at the difference a few decorations can have on your state of mind.

• Be of service to others - Whether it’s donating a toy to a child in need or volunteering at your local soup kitchen, being of service to others has its mental health benefits. When you give your time and resources to those who are less fortunate, it reminds you of how blessed you are despite how you feel at the moment. Positive psychology research has shown that gratitude can make you happier. Not to mention, volunteering gives you a sense of purpose and a mission again. In the military, we often say, “We got your six.” I believe that oath doesn’t have an expiration date and extends to the community at large.

• Honor your sacrifice - The holidays are often a time of life reflection as we prepare for a new year. As Veterans, this is a great time to remind yourself that what you sacrificed during your years of service made a difference. While you may not hear “thank you for your service” every day, it’s important to take time to take pride in yourself because it impacts how you feel about yourself and your self-worth.

• Seek professional help - In the military, it is ingrained in us to be strong and not show weakness. While it’s beneficial on the battlefield, this mentality has kept many Veterans from getting professional help when they need it. The truth is, it takes courage to seek help, and it’s a sign of strength to admit you can’t bear this alone anymore. Far too many Veterans are struggling in silence at a time when overdose deaths are at an all-time high, and suicide rates among Veterans are also on the rise. I’m a suicide survivor. My advice to any Veteran in the grips of addiction or a mental health crisis this holiday season is to reach out for help right away. I’m so grateful I did, and I’m alive today to share my story. To contact Jay Russell, email him at jrussell@contactaac.com.

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For veterans dealing with substance abuse, PTSD and other mental health disorders, our Salute to Recovery Program is designed specifically for you. Built on camaraderie, trust and evidence-based therapies, the program provides a place of healing among fellow veterans to get you on the path to recovery faster. Treatment includes:

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• Art & Music Therapy

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www.americanaddictioncenters.org