Holidays are not always merry.
For military families who are far from families and friends, the constant reminders all around them that they should be joyfully reunited with their loved ones can be too much to bear.
Holidays can feel lonely and pointless. For service members who suffer from PTSD or other injuries, just the thought of tending to “normal” holiday rituals can be stress inducing. Crowded parties, crowded shopping malls and forced family reunions can push service members over the edge.
For immediate help, service members and their families can turn to militaryonesource.com The online service has counselors available via phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Families, veterans and service members can also seek help from the 24-hour military crisis line available for online chat at www.veteranscrisisline.net or via phone.
Holidays are stressful. But you are not alone. If you are feeling overwhelmed please reach out to friends, neighbors or a counselor at one of these hotlines. They understand. They are here to help.
800-342-9647
800-273-8255, press 1
Text to 838255
In Europe, call 00800 1273 8255 or DSN 118
