Coping with Grief and Loss During the Holidays

The holiday season, often synonymous with joy and celebration, can also magnify the weight of grief, making the absence of loved ones more palpable. Coping with grief during this time can be a daunting task, but it's possible to navigate the season with compassion for yourself and others.

• Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's okay to feel sad, nostalgic, or even angry during the holidays. Give yourself permission to experience these emotions without judgment. Recognizing and accepting your feelings can help you be compassionate with yourself as you move through grief during the holidays.

• Create New Traditions: Consider honoring your loved one by incorporating their memory into new traditions. Lighting a candle in their honor, preparing their favorite dish, or sharing stories about them can be meaningful ways to keep their spirit alive.

• Seek Support: Don't hesitate to lean on your support system. Whether it's family, friends, or a support group, sharing your feelings with others who understand can provide comfort and solace. Sometimes we may feel we don’t want to bring someone down during the holidays with our grief, but finding even one person to hold space for you and connect with can ease the burden of grief.

• Self-Care is Crucial: Take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. Engage in activities that bring you peace and comfort, whether it's exercise, meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature.

• Set Boundaries: It's okay to decline invitations or modify plans if they feel overwhelming. Prioritize your well-being and do what feels right for you, even if it means stepping back from certain traditions or gatherings.

• Honor Your Loved One's Memory: Find ways to honor and remember your loved one during the holiday season. This could be through a special ornament on the tree, visiting their favorite place, or making a donation in their name.

• Professional Help: If grief becomes overwhelming and begins to interfere significantly with your daily life, seeking help from a therapist or counselor can provide invaluable support.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to navigate grief during the holidays. Everyone copes differently, and it's important to be gentle with yourself as you find your own path toward healing. Though the pain of loss may never completely fade, with time and self-compassion, it can become more manageable, allowing you to find moments of peace and joy amidst the sorrow.

If your grief feels overwhelming, you can get immediate help by calling a helpline:

SAHMSA (substance abuse and mental health service administration)1(800)-662-HELP (4357) or text 988

National Crisis Hotline: (800) 273-8255