It's a beautiful summer's day today so I thought I'd make it even better.

Sorry if I ruin the Holiday spirit for anyone, but this needs to be said. So here I go! The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration, but for many veterans, it can intensify feelings of isolation, grief, and psychological pain. Memories tied to loss, combat, or disrupted family relationships can surface more strongly during this period, especially when social expectations emphasize happiness. Preventing veteran suicide during the holidays, therefore, requires not grand gestures but sustained human connection, understanding, and practical support. One of the most powerful actions people can take is simply to stay present. Veterans struggling with depression or post-traumatic stress may withdraw, believing they are a burden or that others cannot understand their experiences. Regular check-ins—calls, messages, or invitations without pressure—can counteract this isolation. Consistency matters more than perfection; knowing that someone remembers and cares can provide a crucial anchor during difficult moments. Equally important is listening without judgment. Well-intentioned advice or attempts to “fix” emotional pain can unintentionally shut down conversation. Instead, offering empathy and allowing veterans to speak openly about their experiences helps reduce feelings of invisibility. Being heard affirms dignity and reinforces the idea that their struggles are valid and worthy of care. Practical support also plays a significant role. Financial strain, transportation challenges, or difficulty managing daily tasks can become overwhelming, particularly during the holidays. Offering help with meals, errands, or logistics may seem small, but it can relieve stress that contributes to emotional crises. These acts communicate solidarity in tangible ways. Finally, people can help by encouraging professional support and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health care. Framing help-seeking as an act of strength rather than weakness aligns with values many veterans respect. Knowing where to find resources and offering assistance in accessing them can make the difference between reaching out and remaining silent.