Health and Wellness Report
Grief has no boundaries. It does not discriminate against age or ethnicity. We have all experienced the loss of a loved one, regardless of whether it was a parent, spouse or partner, child, or beloved pet. Grieving will last a lifetime and will change over the years.
The holiday season can be extremely difficult, regardless of whether it is the first year of your loss or many years later. Coping with loss and grief during the Seasons of Celebrations will certainly be overwhelming.
Prioritize and Planning: Make a list of what you would like to accomplish, do or not do during the holidays. Sit down with your family and talk about what would be helpful for you and them. Be creative. Perhaps doing something out of the ordinary celebrations and traditions would be helpful.
Accept your limitations: Grief totally consumes all your energy, regardless of the season. Holidays put additional demands on emotions. Lower your expectations. Your needs will change daily. Keep your loved ones and family aware of what you are thinking and feeling.
Find ways to decrease your stress: Consider changing your surroundings or traditions. Please be honest with family and friends and let them know that this holiday season may be very different and difficult.
Ask for and accept help: Accept offers of help, no matter how hard it may be. Let friends and family help you shop, cook, clean, decorate, etc. They may be looking for ways to assist to lessen your pain. Please allow them to support you. You have no energy left. Grieving takes everything out of you.
There is no formula for dealing with grief or loss over the holiday season. You are walking in an unknown territory regardless of the length of time that has passed.
Some things that may be considered this holiday season are what traditions will be different, and which are important to keep. You may want to volunteer somewhere. You might want to have a candle lighting ceremony with family and friends. Plan a night of remembrance. Your grief will always be with you but will change and become a loving part of your life as the years pass. Be kind and patient with yourself, no matter what stage of your grief journey you are on. I wish you peace and understanding during this season. —Kimberly VZC.