PTSD Counseling NYC: What to Do When Trauma is A Holiday Tradition

Are your holidays happy? Do you look forward to gatherings and revisiting memories of past celebrations? Or does the season represent something else entirely?

If you struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, you may not feel as enthusiastic or encouraged as others by the holidays. In fact, you may have to contend with any number of problems or issues like 

  • loved ones that contributed to your trauma
  • unsupportive or toxic relationships
  • anniversaries or reminders of loss or pain
  • Sights, sounds, scents, or places that spark difficult memories, shame, or fear

As you may know, trauma often is not visible to others and can be difficult to share. All told, you may see the holidays as a series of events that can make you feel cornered, struggling to cope.

It’s important to learn how unresolved trauma affects your thinking and reactions. This can help you understand your triggers and cope more effectively.

PTSD Counseling NYC: How PTSD Stifles Your Sense of Hope 

If you struggle to resolve a trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder can keep you stuck. Your past may have taught you that life and people are too untrustworthy or unpredictable for much goodwill. Moreover, unhelpful beliefs about yourself may feel incongruent with the peace and joy of the season.

No matter how genuine well-wishers are, trauma rarely disappears with a wish and holiday magic. In fact, the pressure to be perpetually grateful, merry, or hopeful can actually amplify emotional distress and sorrow. As a result, you may feel compelled to withdraw from others as emotions like grief, shame, or anger overwhelm you.  

Is there anything you can do to feel comfortable and connected this season?  Yes! To start, try these strategies to help you cope and find support for lasting recovery.

PTSD Counseling NYC: Coping Strategies During This Holiday Season

Prepare & Prevent: Know Your Triggers

Do you know what might trigger anxiety, prompt traumatic memories, or provoke poor choices? Try not to go into the holidays unaware and unnecessarily vulnerable. 

To feel more prepared and in control, take time to consider your triggers. Ask yourself the following:

  • Who makes me feel unsafe?
  • What conversations /interactions might upset me?
  • Where am I nervous about going?
  • Which behaviors or priors habits might be provoked by holidays?

Try journaling your answers, listing known triggers, and plotting ways you can address triggering situations as they occur.

Embrace Your Limits: Keep Boundaries Paramount

Before traveling, attending a holiday gathering, and engaging difficult people or settings, set limits you commit to keeping.

This may require work with a therapist and support from your partner or a trusted loved one throughout the season. Why? Boundaries are often difficult for survivors as trauma usually involves a violation of their boundaries in the past. 

Fortunately, knowing what your triggers are can support healthy boundary-setting and help you do the following:

  • Plan ahead to boost your sense of safety and control. Set scheduled times for visits. Book your stay away from family if you need to. Coordinate with safe people if you need a break or a quick getaway.
  • Communicate as fully and frequently as possible. Respectfully relay what you are willing to do and how much you are willing to tolerate. It’s okay to be assertive and clear. Working with a therapist can help you work through anxiety and prepare your thoughts and responses.

Preserve Your Peace: Make Self-Compassion Priority One

The magic of the season will not magically dispel unresolved trauma. Treat yourself kindly and give yourself some grace. Your hurt, shame, guilt, and a host of difficult emotions deserve to be acknowledged and addressed. You don’t have to ignore them for the sake of the holidays. Life is a process, emotions come and go. The goal is to manage them so they don’t do more internal and relational damage. 

How? Embrace opportunities to take care of yourself emotionally. PTSD can keep your nervous system hyper-alert and easily triggered. It’s important to slow down negative thoughts and self-talk. Breathe. Take time for grounding exercises and meditation. Whatever happens, remind yourself to stay present, offering yourself comfort and gentle affirmation.

PTSD Counseling NYC: Find Holiday Mental Health Helpers

The holidays can be wonderful for many. Friends and family can be enjoyable for some. Or the whole season can be really hard. Facing emotional trauma and PTSD is difficult whatever the season. Don’t do it alone.

If you are struggling now to interact the way the season dictates, try to extend yourself some compassion with reliable support. Many trauma survivors are experiencing PTSD and the same seasonal difficulties too. PTSD counseling can make a considerable difference during this season and in those to come.

The Relationship Suite

We’re a group of skilled therapists, ready when you are. We have the experience to support trauma sufferers. Please read more about PTSD therapy and contact us for support soon. You can feel better and live well.

To learn more about our Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment services, click here. 

If you’re struggling, call 917-273-8836 or Contact us for a complimentary consultation to learn more about counseling in NYC and how we can help you.

We are a group of skilled therapists specializing in individual and couples counseling. Since Covid, we have been working with couples via Online Counseling in New York, and New York City including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, Manhasset, Roselyn, Port Washington, South Hampton, East Hampton, and Montauk. To schedule a complimentary consultation, click HERE.

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