JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The holiday season is known as the most wonderful time of the year. But for some military veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this time of year can trigger feelings of anxiety, depression, and helplessness. Family members, friends, neighbors, and caregivers are encouraged to be supportive.
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John Tappen served in the U.S. Navy from 2006 to 2011. He calls his K9s for Warriors service dog, Henry, his lifesaver. Tappen understands the struggle around the holidays.
“Before I got Henry, holidays were definitely tough,” Tappen said. “Certain times of year just hit you harder. And holidays for me, at least, were a hard time before Henry.”
During his time serving our nation, Tappen was deployed overseas several times. Like many veterans, his experiences led to a diagnosis for post-traumatic stress disorder. He said the experiences were raw, and like many, the diagnosis took its toll on his well-being. He said Thanksgiving was when things really started to hit hard for him.
“Thank God I had a good support system,” Tappen said. “But if you don’t have one, and you’re looking around and you’re seeing people celebrate, and you see everyone being happy, it can be pretty trying when you’re going through it. You’re like, ‘What am I doing wrong? I’m trying really hard here. I served my country proudly, and I’m feeling like a mess. What else do I need to do?‘”
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Dr. Christine Cauffield is a clinical psychologist and serves as CEO of LSF Health Systems in Jacksonville. Cauffield has seen this multiple times in her practice. This can include veterans going through different stages of their lives, including transitioning into civilian life.
“It really is a tough time for our veterans that struggle with PTSD,” Dr. Cauffield said. “They’re continuing with their symptoms if they haven’t received treatment. And so they have sleep disturbances, they feel uncomfortable in large crowds, they report having nightmares and flashbacks of the traumatic events that they experienced. And so, this really interferes with their ability to feel joy or even want to interact with others during the holidays.”
Dr. Cauffield said simple things can help with the coping process. This can include making time for self-care, setting boundaries, speaking up about potential triggers, and limiting the use of social media.
“Make an extra effort to connect, to invite them in, to have them join your activities,” Dr. Cauffield said. “Let them know they’re not alone. Let them know you’re supportive of them. You may not be able to understand what they’re going through, but you want to include them and embrace them being there.”
She went on to say education about these sensitive subjects is key.
“Educate yourselves on post-traumatic stress disorders,” Dr. Cauffield said. “What are those symptoms? What are the triggers? What can you look for, and how can you best help your veteran that is struggling?”
Veterans are encouraged to remember it is okay to ask for help. These days, Tappen is grateful to be doing well and thriving with his lifesaver by his side. By sharing his story, he aims to help his fellow veterans.
“There are people that want to hear your story, they want to help you, and they’re there even if you don’t have family or friends,” Tappen said. “Right now, there is a whole bunch of family and friends waiting for you that want to help you, want to see you make it to the next day, and that’s all we’re here for. Is to just reach one more veteran.”
If you or a veteran you know is in need of help, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7. Just dial 988, then press 1. Help is also available through LSF Health Systems. Its access to care line is free and is manned by its clinical team. That number is 1-877-229-9098.
