Grief – Surviving the Holidays

Many struggle through the holidays carrying a burden of grief.  It may be grief caused by the death of a loved one, or it may be the loss of a way of life (divorce, break-up, job loss, career change), it could be the diagnosis of a terminal illness or any life-altering event.

There are 7 stages of grief and we need to work through each of them to move forward:

• shock and denial,
• pain and guilt,
• anger and bargaining,
• depression,
• the upward turn,
• reconstruction and working through,
• acceptance and hope.

Grief is very personal.  Some people work through them faster than others and the order is not the same for everyone.  Some seem to be stuck somewhere in the process and unable to move forward.

The holidays can be especially hard and often lonely.  Everyone else seems to be happily enjoying the season and all the grieving person sees and feels is the weight of the loss.  The joy in life is gone and the pieces can’t be put back together.

You never know who you might talk to who needs help navigating this part of their path.  Learn more about the stages of grief at this link.

Many find it helpful to talk to someone or attend grief support groups in their community.  Local mental health professionals, churches, and hospices can provide reassurance as you work through the stages and move forward.

You are not alone!

Here are additional links with information and strategies:

64 Tips for Coping with Grief at the Holidays
Holiday Survival Strategies for Coping with Grief
How to Deal With Grief During the Holidays