Grief Around the Holidays
Grief Around the Holidays
Written by Young Prevention Professionals, Jessica Muhlenkamp OCPS
The holidays are synonymous with joy and gathering together. But what happens when grief overshadows what is usually a time for togetherness and laughter?
Grief can be isolating and a need for support can be even larger during a holiday where you expect a missing loved one to be there. While it is common to experience an intense period of sadness immediately after a loss it is important to allow those grieving to find their “new normal.” Certain protective factors have shown to assist with this and prevent the development of prolonged grief disorder:
- Supportive Counseling
- Social Supports
- Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
- Spiritual or Religious Connection
Grief is our internal feelings and mourning is our external expressions and it is just as important to go through that process during the holidays. You must allow those mourning to experience their grief in their own time and accept that their “new normal” may look different including seeing holiday traditions in a new way.
Allowing the griever to externalize their loss gives it a time and place even during the bustle of the holiday season. Ways to do this include:
- Saying a prayer about a loved one at family dinner
- Lighting a candle for the deceased
- Creating a tribute to them
- Share stories together about the deceased
Remember that holidays can be some of the toughest days for those dealing with grief and mourning is very individual. Now, more than ever, it is important to listen and help those grieving find meaning in their own way, not necessarily the way we think they should find it.
Resources:
Grief & the Holidays https://grief.com/grief-the-holidays/
