COPING WITH GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS
If you’ve lost a loved one, you know that the feelings of grief are an added weight to the stress of the holiday season. Losing a loved one is never easy and is especially hard during the holiday season. The holidays are a time when families and friends get together to share their time and traditions. Most often, holiday events resemble family reunions which only highlight the absence of the person who’s no longer here. It is not uncommon for feelings of grief and depression to intensify dur-ing this time while it may seem like everyone else is full of happiness.
If you are struggling with loss during this holiday sea-son these coping strategies can help:
- Take care of yourself. It’s easy to forget about eating well and getting enough rest. Maintaining a healthy body can help you feel stronger and cope with difficult feelings.
- Plan ahead. Think about which events may be especially difficult and decide how you may best find comfort in these moments. It may mean excusing yourself or asking for additional support from family and friends.
- Share memories. Remember the unique contributions your friend or family made to holiday traditions and share with others.
- Find a way to honor those who are no longer here. Donating to a charity, putting up a special decoration, giving a toast – are all ways to start a new tradition to acknowledge your lost loved one during the holidays.
- Help others in need. Doing something for others will keep your mind busy while directing your energy in bringing joy to others.
- Give yourself permission to feel joy. Guilt can often overtake the moments of happiness while grieving. While this is normal, know that it is possible to feel happy and sad at the same time. Joyful feelings will not take away from the memory of your loved one.
- Talk to someone outside the family. Finally, if you need additional support, therapists and hospice centers are trained in grief counseling and can help you through the grief process.