The Holidays Can Be Hard. Here’s How To Walk With Grief

It’s supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year”, but not everyone feels that way. This time of year is often difficult for those who have lost a loved one. Instead of being a time of togetherness, joy, and thanksgiving, the holidays can evoke feelings of loss, sadness, and emptiness. The sights, sounds, and smells of the season can trigger depression as memories of your loved one come flooding back.
If this is how you feel, know that you are not alone.
Your feelings are valid. You don’t have to be in the holiday spirit just because everyone else is. Although few words or pieces of advice can take away your pain, you can navigate the waters of grief this holiday season with a few tips and the right support system.
Talk About Your Grief
Don’t be afraid to express your feelings this holiday season. Despite our perceptions, thanks in large part to the commercialism behind it all, this time of year isn’t all “pumpkin spice and everything nice.” Opening up about the way you feel helps others by normalizing the conversation surrounding mental health.
Setting healthy boundaries should also be a part of the conversation. Remember that it’s okay to say “no” to protect your mental health. When you set healthy boundaries, you teach people how you want to be treated. Sometimes saying “no” is hard! Instead, you could try saying…
I’m not taking anything else on right now…
Thanks for thinking of me but I can’t at this time…
Unfortunately, I need to pass on this…
Take What You Need When You Need It
If grief overshadows everything else in your world right now, then take some time out for yourself again. Honor how you feel one day at a time. Even if you’re feeling down and unmotivated, try to recognize when the company of others would be beneficial for you. Some days you might withdraw from family obligations to spend some time alone, and that’s okay too.
No matter what, don’t feel obligated to put up a front or make excuses or apologies. You are allowed to grieve and experience this holiday season however you need to, no matter what anyone else thinks.
Find Your Version of Thankful
Grief is hard to deal with in general. It’s even more challenging during times when everyone else seems to be celebrating, and you are not.
Still, grief serves a particular purpose. It reminds us how much we cared about someone who is now gone. Grieving the loss of someone you love is a complex, lonely, and sometimes empty path to walk in life.
Practice Self-Care
This holiday season, know that grief is not just normal; it’s part of our human experience. Be kind to yourself during this challenging holiday season, and remember that grief is an inevitable part of life.
Whether it’s a decent day or a difficult one, the best thing you can do is take care of your mind, body, and emotional well-being. Practice self-care by eating well, exercising when you’re able, and taking time to relax by doing whatever makes you happy.
You may find that the better you take care of yourself this season, the better equipped you’ll be to handle whatever grief throws your way.
Find Support This Holiday Season To Thrive in 2022
Remember – grief doesn’t have to knock you down this holiday season. Finding the proper support and care can help you move through grief and find joy and meaning this holiday season and beyond. Our compassionate team at New U Therapy Center & Family Services is here to help you find relief from depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and loss so you can find renewed hope and happiness.
We are honored to announce our recent gold-standard CARF accreditation! This accreditation is the Highest Nationwide Standard Intensive Outpatient Program for adults, teens, and children available now for all PPO plans.
Contact our office today for a free consultation to learn more about our unique programs for depression, anxiety, stress, and optimal mental wellness.