Fourth of July Blues

For many of us, the Fourth of July is a celebratory event filled with family and barbecuing. For
others, the holidays can be quite difficult to face.

Dealing with Loneliness

Loneliness is a very common emotion to experience during the holidays. A lot of us may not
have family or friends near. It can be hard to scroll through Facebook and Instagram just to see
photos of people having the time of their lives as we sit at home.
Go outside! Just a short walk may make you feel a lot better. Curling up in bed can feel like the
easiest thing to do when we experience negative emotions. Getting active can improve our
mood significantly.

Call or facetime your friends and family. If you’re like me and live hundreds of miles away
from your family, you may feel extremely isolated at times. Remember to give your family and
friends a call. Facetiming my family during the holidays helps me to feel involved and a lot less
lonely.

Dealing with PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common issue many people face during the Fourth
of July. Veterans who suffer from PTSD may be especially impacted during this time due to the
loud noises of fireworks, large crowd gatherings, and their sensitivity to light.
Communicate your feelings. If you are comfortable enough with your neighbors, ask them
what time they plan on setting off their fireworks. This can help you to be prepared.
Breathe. It may sound cliché, but breathing exercises work wonders for those of us who suffer
from PTSD. Close your eyes, focus on your breathing pattern, and try to relax your mind.

Dealing with Addiction

Alcohol plays a huge role in July 4th activities. This can make it extremely difficult for those of us
struggling with alcohol addiction or in recovery. Make plans for the holiday and stick to them.
Host a party in your own home. Hosting a non-alcoholic party in the comfort of your home can
be loads of fun. Since there is no alcohol around there will be less temptation to drink.

Ask for support.

Reach out to support groups in your area. There are people around who have
experienced exactly what you’re going through. Ask them how they cope with not drinking
during the holidays.

Whether it’s depression, addiction, PTSD, or loneliness you’re experiencing, remember you are
not alone. It is very common to experience these emotions, especially during the holidays. Keep
being amazing and keep being you! You will make it through.

Edited by TLC Intern: Sarah Hmada