Veteran Mental Health During the Holidays
This time of year can be a joyous time filled with holiday family traditions, connection, and gratitude, but for military families, it often brings unique challenges. Balancing deployments, reintegration, and the demands of military life can impact emotional well-being during this special time of year. Prioritizing veteran mental health is essential to navigating these challenges while fostering connection and joy. This guide offers practical tips to help military families manage stress, adapt traditions, and embrace the holidays with care and togetherness.
Navigating the Holiday Season for Military Families
November is National Veterans and Military Families Month. This month honors the service and sacrifices of military families and veterans transitioning to civilian life. It also marks the start of the holiday season. While this time of year often brings joy, celebration, and connection, it can also create unique challenges for military families.
Some families experience separation due to deployment. Others face the stress of relocating or adjusting to life after service. Balancing family responsibilities with the demands of military life adds another layer of complexity.
To help military families navigate the season, we have outlined practical tips that promote connection, care, and togetherness. These tips also aim to support veteran mental health and encourage families to manage stress effectively.
Stay Connected for Veteran Mental Health
The holiday season can feel especially difficult when loved ones are far away. However, technology makes it easier to stay in touch. Families can plan virtual celebrations using video calls or messaging apps. Sharing a holiday meal, exchanging gifts, or simply chatting online can help create a sense of togetherness.
Sending care packages offers another meaningful way to stay connected. Packages can include festive treats, small decorations like a mini Christmas tree, and personal items that remind service members of home. Many resources, such as Military OneSource, provide guidance on creating and sending these packages. Staying connected is an important way to reduce holiday stress management challenges and foster joy during military family holidays.
Make Time for Self-Care to Support Veteran Mental Health
The holiday season often revolves around family and giving, but caring for yourself is just as important. The many gatherings and activities during this time can sometimes feel overwhelming. Taking moments to relax can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Simple self-care activities, such as walking, reading, or enjoying a favorite hobby, can help restore balance. Maintaining healthy habits—eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly—also supports emotional resilience. Quick relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, can provide immediate relief from stress.
If the season feels particularly challenging, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Friends, neighbors, fellow military families, or a therapist can provide much-needed support. Many mental health services, including counseling services for veterans, are available to help during this time of year. Resources like the Veterans Crisis Line can provide critical support for immediate concerns.
Adapt Holiday Traditions to Strengthen Veteran Mental Health
Military life often changes family routines, especially during deployment or reintegration. When old traditions no longer fit, try adapting them or creating new ones that work for your family’s situation.
For example, if loved ones are apart, start a tradition of exchanging handwritten letters or small gifts to open on special days like Christmas Eve. Families adjusting to a new location can explore local holiday events or start an advent calendar to build excitement leading up to the holidays. These activities help create meaningful holiday traditions and ensure that military family holidays remain special despite changes in routine.
Acknowledge Your Emotions
The holidays often bring up strong emotions. Separation, military stress, or hopes for the future may feel particularly present during this time. Recognizing these feelings and creating space to process them is essential for maintaining veteran mental health.
Open communication with loved ones ensures everyone feels supported. Check in regularly to share your feelings and ask how others are doing. If emotions become overwhelming, consider joining a military support group or seeking counseling.
Many mental health care options are available through organizations like Military OneSource or the United States Department of Defense. These resources provide tailored support for military families and service members, including active duty personnel and their loved ones.
Adjust Expectations and Focus on Gratitude
The holidays don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. Military life often requires flexibility, and adjusting expectations can help ease stress. Focusing on what truly matters—connection, love, and giving—helps create a sense of purpose and joy.
If plans change or traditions are missed, extend grace to yourself and those around you. Reflect on what you can still appreciate, such as your health, family, or community support. Practicing gratitude for life’s positives brings joy, even when the season looks different from what you imagined. By focusing on gratitude, families can strengthen bonds, nurture veteran mental health, and enjoy being home for the holidays.
Resources to Support Veteran Mental Health During the Holidays
The holiday season may bring unique challenges for military families but also offers opportunities for joy and connection. Staying connected, prioritizing self-care, adapting traditions, acknowledging emotions, and practicing gratitude can help make the season meaningful and fulfilling. Using available mental health resources for military families and embracing counseling services for veterans ensures additional support is always within reach.
Council for Relationships’ Operation Home and Healing (OHH) provides counseling for active-duty service members, National Guard members, Reserve members, veterans of all eras (regardless of their discharge status or combat experience), their spouses or partners, and their children. Our services aim to support veteran mental health and strengthen families during the holidays and beyond. If you or your family could use support this holiday season, contact us at 215-382-6680 or visit us here.
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About the Author
Qianna S. Snooks, PsyD., is Council for Relationships’ Director of Operation Home & Healing and Staff Therapist. Contact Dr. Snooks if you have questions about Operation Home & Healing or would like to request a therapy appointment. Council for Relationships has a team of over 85 clinicians, including therapists and psychiatrists, who are ready to help and are currently accepting new clients. If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, schedule an appointment with Sloane or one of our highly qualified therapists today.
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