Seasonal Strains: The Impact of the Holidays on Emotional Trauma

The holiday season is regularly viewed as a time of happiness and joy. But, it’s not a cause for celebration for everyone. That’s especially true if you’ve experienced emotional trauma. 

While the holidays tend to promote family and togetherness, that kind of pressure and those expectations can trigger the effects of your emotional trauma, making the season difficult to navigate. 

Maybe you have less-than-happy memories about past holiday seasons. Maybe you’re worried about seeing someone who caused your trauma. Whatever the case, it’s important to know how to get through the season in healthy, effective ways, so you can find time to enjoy yourself without relieving your traumatic experience. 

Understanding the Lasting Impact of Emotional Trauma

Trauma is so much more than a physical issue. Emotional trauma can leave lasting scars. While you might not always deal with the impact of your traumatic experience, certain things can trigger it — including the holidays. 

Even if you experienced something 20 years ago, triggers can make it feel like it happened yesterday. You could’ve lost a loved one around the holidays. Or, maybe you’re a victim of domestic violence and you remember how scary some of your past holidays were. 

No matter what happened to you, don’t feel like you need to “get over” your trauma and put on a happy face just because of the season. 

Emotional trauma can create anxiety and depression. It can cause panic attacks, extreme fear, anger, and even shame and guilt. When those symptoms hit you around the holidays, they can feel even worse because you might feel like you have too much to do or too many people to see to really be able to cope. 

Let Yourself Feel

If you’re feeling guilty about dealing with trauma during the holidays, let that shame go. You have a right to let your emotions come through. In fact, the more you try to stifle them, the harder it will become. 

Don’t run from the grief you’re feeling. Instead, recognize it for what it is and do what you need to get through the season. That might include talking to someone you trust about it, like a family member or friend. 

Sometimes, simply opening up about your trauma to someone close to you can make a big difference in how you feel. Getting things out in the open will make you feel more supported and less alone. 

Set Healthy Boundaries

If the holidays are at all triggering for you, set boundaries that make you feel comfortable and safe. You don’t have to say “yes” to every invitation. You don’t have to be around family members or friends who had something to do with your trauma. 

Don’t let yourself feel obligated to do things that are triggering just because of the season. Set boundaries for yourself. Consider creating new holiday traditions in place of the ones that make you relive your trauma. By making new traditions, you can learn to enjoy the season again and start to wipe away the pain you experienced in the past. 

Know You’re Not Alone

There’s no question that this time of year can be difficult for those who have gone through emotional trauma. Self-care is more important than ever. Things like getting enough sleep, exercising, and spending time outside can make a difference in your overall well-being. 

But, the most important thing you can do for yourself is to recognize that you don’t have to deal with your trauma alone. Leaning on friends and family is great. But, don’t hesitate to reach out for depression therapy if you’re struggling. Working with a therapist can make it easier to cope throughout the season, and even start to enjoy it.