Grieving the loss of a loved one is difficult any time of the year, but the holiday season can be particularly challenging. Family gatherings, traditional meals and familiar faces can all be painful reminders of the loved ones you have lost. If you are mourning a loved one this year, here are five ways that can help you deal with your grief during this holiday season.

Communicate Openly About Your Needs

Be honest. Talk to your loved ones and let them know what you want to do or do not want to do for the holidays. Avoid the people who tell you what you “should” do for the holidays. Trust yourself.

 

Identify a Supportive Person

Identify someone who will be there for you and who can support you during the holidays. It can sometimes be difficult to be vulnerable in front of family or loved ones while you’re grieving. Having a trustworthy person to confide in can help you feel less isolated in your grief.

Join a Grief Group

Find others who are grieving during the holidays; they may better understand what you are going through and what you are feeling.

Develop an Exit Strategy

If you are going to holiday events, choose an independent transportation option like driving your own car, scheduling an Uber or taking public transportation. This way you will have more control over where you are and how long you have to stay. Remember it’s also okay to do away with the exit strategy and skip the event all together. If you don’t feel capable of attending the holiday event, take a break from the festivities and do something different.

Cry If You Want To

Remember, it is okay to cry. Do not worry about bringing down the mood of the event. Alternatively, it’s okay to be happy as well. Feel whatever you need to feel. There is no one way to grieve.
We hope these five ways can bring you comfort during the holidays. Remember you can always decide which traditions you want to keep, which traditions you need to change or which ones you need to create.

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