When You’re Not Feeling Holiday Cheer

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” well, not for everyone. My name is Kim Donohue and my work at NDVS includes suicide prevention efforts. There are many reasons you can feel down around the holidays. You may be separated from loved ones, suffered a death, lost a job, or have gone through a divorce. You may find yourself alone and lonely or coping with a serious illness. You might just have the “holiday blues” due to stress or conflict.

Whatever the reason, there are many resources available to help anyone who is suffering emotionally. Better still, these resources are free, at your fingertips, and available anytime you need them. I invite you to review the resources provided below and please share!

Make The Connection – MakeTheConnection.net is a one-stop shop for veterans, military members and their families to find information, help, inspiration and support. It allows you to privately explore information about physical and mental health symptoms/conditions, challenging life events and more. It contains videos, testimonials, and articles on a wide range of topics. You can even find and connect to local support through this online resource.

Military OneSource – The VA “#Be There” campaign teamed up with Military OneSource to provide an online resource tailored for military members, veterans and their families. You can access materials and watch testimonial videos for anyone dealing with a crisis or going through a difficult time. Access this site here: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) – This site provides support for the families of America’s fallen. The site says, “When the casualty officer has left, casseroles in the freezer have dwindled and cards have stopped coming in the mail, TAPS is there to support you along every step of your journey.” TAPS offers survivor programs and resources. It also puts you in touch with others who understand your grief and provide the support and care you need. You’re never alone with your TAPS family. Access the site here: https://www.taps.org/

In Southern Nevada, the local T.A.P.S. group meets the 2^nd Wednesday of each month, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Please call Christopher Jachimiec at (702) 738-9247.

Finally, if you or someone you love is in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at

1-800-273-8255 for confidential support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for veterans, military members and their families. The Crisis Line can be accessed by calling 1-800-273-8255, press 1. Or you may chat online at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ or text to 838255.

You do not need to be in a crisis to contact the Crisis Line. It is a resource to help provide support and connect a person needing help with an individual in your local area. According to Cambridge Dictionary (2109), the definition of crisis is an extremely dangerous or difficult situation, a time of great disagreement, confusion or suffering, or an extremely difficult or dangerous point in a situation.

One person’s crisis might be different than another person. We might not be aware of what may have transpired earlier for this servicemember, veteran or family member. The most important things are this: learn the warning signs of loved ones who may be at risk for suicide and learn how you can be there for them, without judgement.

To learn the warning signs of someone who may be at risk for suicide: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/index.asp             

For more tips on managing holiday blues go here: https://www.nami.org/blogs/nami-blog/november-2015/tips-for-managing-the-holiday-blues

Or here: https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/holiday-blues

Or here: https://psychcentral.com/lib/9-tips-to-cope-with-holiday-depression/