Grieving Over the Death of a Loved One During the Holidays

For those who have lost someone over the holidays, this time of year can be a constant reminder of how much you miss your loved one. While the saying goes, “Time heals all wounds,” anyone who has lost a loved one knows that you’re never completely healed.

Whether your relative’s death was recent or a long time ago, the holidays have a way of making it feel like yesterday. Here are a few strategies to help you cope this holiday season.  

Give yourself permission to feel your emotions.

Try not to believe that you have to feel a certain way just because it’s the holidays. If you bury your emotions, you’ll probably have a nagging feeling that something isn’t right. It’s best to let out your emotions and work through the feelings of pain and sadness.

Be kind to yourself.

Knowing that you are grieving, be extra kind to yourself. To do this, you need to know your limits and be able to say no to others. Otherwise, you run the risk of doing too much and wearing yourself out physically and mentally. Spend time doing the things that bring you peace and comfort, and consider seeking grief counseling in New Jersey.

Ask for and accept help from others.

The holidays are a busy time for everyone. Be willing to ask for and accept help from others. If your loved one’s death was recent, you probably have people who are willing to lend a helping hand. Let them cook for you, decorate your home and wrap your presents. If they’re offering, it means they want to help.

Seek support within your community.

Support comes in all forms. Find a support group in your area – you can start with local churches, funeral homes, community centers or the hospice service that provided care to your relative. If you’re more comfortable in your own home, check out online bereavement groups.

Help others by volunteering or donating your time.

One of the best ways to boost your mental health is by helping others. During the holidays, there are plenty of ways to put good into the world. Hopefully, you can find a meaningful cause and continue helping throughout the year. Consider volunteering at a nursing home, animal shelter, soup kitchen or hospice center.

There is No “Right” Way to Grieve

The holidays are so heavily marketed, we often feel that they need to be this “magical” time. However, this isn’t the reality for many families, though we hope that you can still find some happy moments this season. As you grieve the loss of a loved one, be sure to follow our tips above. Most importantly, know that there is no right way to grieve. By focusing on your needs and keeping connected to friends and family, you can make it through the holiday season.