The holiday season can be a rough time especially after losing a loved one. An otherwise joyous time can easily be overshadowed by grief and sadness, and without the presence of the departed, this can take a toll on anyone during the holidays when this special time was often shared.
Thankfully, there are a few creative ways to cope with grief during the holidays and bring joy back into the season.
Creating New Traditions
Many people find it difficult to honor old traditions during the holidays after losing a loved one. But halting old traditions may be counterproductive. After all, it’s the activities and traditions that most people look forward to during this time of year. And creating a new tradition to celebrate the life of the departed can also be a great way to cope with grief.
Set Boundaries
If the loss of a loved one is fairly recent, participation in holiday events may be difficult and even emotionally draining. But keep in mind that participation isn’t required. This is why finding a balance and setting boundaries can be extremely helpful for anyone dealing with loss during the holiday season.
Acknowledge and Embrace Emotions
It’s a known fact that grief can be magnified during the holiday season. In this respect, ignoring emotions or bottling them up during the holidays can cause even more pain and grief. This is why allowing grief to exist and run its course naturally can prove to provide greater healing instead of pretending it isn’t present.
Ellie Mental Health is a national mental health service provider that takes a unique approach to healthcare. This includes helping patients to normalize dealing with grief and other mental health issues and making treatment approachable and beneficial to everyone.
How To Cope With Grief and Loss During the Holidays