AMU Diseases Health & Fitness Mental Health Public Safety

The Holidays Can Be Hard: Reaching Out for Help is Okay

By Jinnie Chua, Assistant Editor of In Public Safety

The holiday season is upon us, and while many are enjoying it with family and friends, for some of us it is the hardest time of the year. Some will be spending it alone, others will be spending it at work, and some may be forced to put on a smile in social gatherings they do not feel at ease in.

For first responders, the holidays can trigger a range of difficult emotions. The added pressure and expectations of joy and festivity can often amplify the challenges that many are facing against depression, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health struggles.

We must also remind ourselves that in many areas across the country, there are ongoing crises that do not pause for the holidays. Whether it’s wildfires in California, or areas like Puerto Rico that are still recovering from hurricane devastation, many public safety employees will not have time off to spend with their loved ones.

If the holidays feel like a looming shadow overhead, it’s important to realize that you are not expected to feel a certain way just because of the time of year. If you or someone you know is having a hard time, there are always resources you can turn to for help.

To help support our first responders, American Military University created three digital publications focused on managing stress and trauma. These eMagazines are available to download below, free of charge.

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*Physical copies of the eMags are available upon request when you complete the download form.

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