Coping with Holiday Trauma: Tips for Decreasing Flashbacks

My ptsd “anniversary” was on Christmas… I absolutely understand!

I’m having the same problem, so if anyone has ideas or strategies, I would love to hear as well. Thank you!

For me when this happens I try to acknowledge it. I have remind myself that i am having a flashback and that the traumatic event isn’t actually happening right now. No matter how awful it might feel. Then I try focusing on the present, such as by taking slow deep breaths. I usually reach for my dog or something with a strong calming scent and breathe slowly.

Try making a new part to your Holiday celebration. For me I have pull myself together to to be happy on Christmas! But I try to make something for me to look foreword to and put my focus on that. Although don't be too harsh if it doesn't work perfectly. Especially the first time. I'm with you too. Holidays shouldn't be hard but we can't help what we've been though. We just need help moving past it. Sending hugs

I have the same issue. It first helped to try to change things here and there that made it still look like Christmas but different enough so your brain can see that time has passed. Could be making christmas colors to blue and green decorations. Or using plain bags instead of gift wrap. I do not celebrate christmas but im around people who do and have worked holiday retail. It takes a lot and triggers WILL happen. Every year will get a little bit easier as your body leaves it behind. Prioritizing your self care is also important. Its very easy to not eat or clean yourself during these times. Hope this helps. ❤️

Myself

I just try and distract himself. I do things that I enjoy and people I enjoy to be around. Don’t beat yourself up if u have a hard time still but try and enjoy it a little bit