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Dec 12, 2018 · Although grief is something that's experienced daily, the holidays tend to amplify feelings of loss—especially if it's the first holiday after a loved one's passing, psychologists say.
- How to Approach Those Struggling with A Loss
- How to Keep The Spirit of A Loved One Alive This Season
- How to Lean Into The Support of Others
- Tips to Process Grief During The Holidays
- A Word from Verywell
It can be challenging to approach someone who is grieving during the holiday season. You may be worried about saying the wrong thing or making them feel worse. However, it's important to reach out and offer your care and support. Clinical psychologist and author of the book "Focused Positivity: The Path to Success and Peace of Mind," John F. Tholen...
If you're struggling with the loss of a loved one this holiday season, there are still ways to keep their spirit close if it feels true and honoring for you to do so. Licensed marriage and family therapist Heidi McBainnotes that it's important to talk about your loved one: "Share stories with other people who miss them too. Use their name in these ...
If you're grieving this holiday season, it's important to lean into the support of others. Associate marriage and family therapist Theodora Blanchfieldnotes that it's important to let people know when you are struggling and what might be a trigger for you. "For example, last year, I was on a group text with two of my best friends, and they were exc...
Grief can be difficult to deal with at any time, but it can be especially hard during the holidays. Blanchfield notes that your feelings are valid and to expect that they may be unpredictable: "It's OK if the holidays feel totally fine, and it's OK if you want to hide under a blanket until January. The hardest thing is not knowing which one it's go...
No one experiences grief in exactly the same way, so there is no "right" way to grieve. Do what feels right for you and know that there is no timeline for healing. If you're struggling with grief this holiday season, know that you're not alone. There are people and resources available to help you through this tough time.
- Feel Your Feelings. Best as you can, allow yourself to feel your feelings as they come up. Grief often brings up varied and sometimes conflicting emotions.
- Be Specific & Write Out Your Emotions. “One of the tips that I would recommend trying out is to identify the various emotions and describe what they are about before the holiday occasion.
- Don’t Resist the Grief. “Resistance to grief increases suffering and can even go as far as to expand it to the point of distorting what the holidays can offer us in the here and now.
- Show Yourself Self-compassion. “Acknowledge that it’s going to be hard to get through these holidays and that’s ok. If you feel up to going to a friend’s or family member’s home, go—but if you don’t, give yourself a pass to stay home and not celebrate.”
For Americans who have lost someone to COVID-19 or anything else this year, the holiday season might be an uphill battle. Here's advice on processing the pain.
- Beth Ann Mayer
- Don’t assume. You may believe you know your sister or best friend better than anyone and therefore can give them exactly what they need during a challenging time.
- Start talking early. Devine advises against waiting until the day before a holiday gathering to discuss how you want to handle traditions or honoring the person’s memory.
- Respect. People who love one another can have different needs and boundaries. Your sister may want to bake Mom’s apple pie, but you may want to skip the tradition altogether.
- Have an endpoint. One way to support yourself through something you decide to do out of obligation to others is to set a deadline. “Say, ‘“I am going to stay until 9:00, and then I have this reason to leave,’” Devine says.
Dec 11, 2023 · We asked Mallory Schmitz, mental health nurse educator, for advice and tips when dealing with grief during the holidays: Acknowledge your feelings. Check in with yourself about how you are feeling as you enter the season.
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Dec 19, 2021 · Feeling blue due to grief during the holidays? Here are 14 tips for managing the season.
