Managing Grief During the Holidays

By Susan Piti, LPC, NASM, AFAA

Functional Fitness

. http://www.functionalfitness-nova.com/

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Managing Grief During the Holidays

It's holiday time. A time to rejoice and be happy with family and friends.

Are you reading this saying “are you kidding me?” Instead you may have feelings of heaviness in your heart, feeling disoriented, feeling others don't know how to act around you, feeling disconnected from the season.

Have you suffered a loss of someone close and are experiencing intense grief? You are not alone. Loss of a loved one due to environmental or natural causes can completely discolor the holiday experience and add to stress and intense emotions. Though we can't bring back those we have lost, how do we cope to allow some sense of connection or peace this holiday? If you find memories of your loved ones who have passed especially present during the holiday season, these ideas may help you manage your grief.

Allow time for grief. Make a specific time to think about and allow your feelings to come forth in whatever form they take. Journaling and writing down feelings can be helpful.

Create rituals that honor your loved ones. This could include lighting a candle, having a “talk” with your loved one, writing a letter to them, or hanging a special decoration in their honor.

Be forthcoming and learn to ask for what you need from family and friends related to helping you with your grief. Many do not understand the experience, but still would like to help. Some want to express their feelings, some would rather remi-

nisce alone.

There are many support groups in the area that can help with the grief process. Looking into churches, local counseling companies, contacting hospitals and funeral homes, on the internet can be a great resource for online options if you prefer that modality.

Pace yourself and include enjoyable activities. Spend time with friends; make weekly exercise a regime to reduce stress and increase well-being.

If grief becomes overwhelming, especially with all the holiday buzz, please contact a licensed therapist trained in dealing with grief and loss issues. There is help out there, you just have to be willing to ask and seek it.

As Helen Keller once said, “We bereaved are not alone. We belong to the largest company in all the world -the company of those who have known suffering.”

This article was prepared in collaboration with Courtney Kolb Counseling, Resident Functional Fitness