The holidays can be a challenging time for those mourning the loss of a loved one.
Most of us eagerly anticipate the holiday season and look forward to celebrating good times. "The holidays for most of the world continue to be joyous,"
says Celia M.R. Blum, MSW, Doylestown Hospital Hospice Bereavement Coordinator. "Everywhere you see advertisements, it's in the media and in the stores." But for people who
have recently lost a loved one, there may be a very different feeling going into the holiday season.
"People can feel more isolated or out of place. They're surrounded by everything that's celebratory. The fact that some people are grieving is not really
acknowledged," says Celia.
It's not just the holidays that can be challenging for the newly bereaved. Anniversaries, birthdays and other special dates can be daunting particularly in
the first year after a loss.
Celia offers several suggestions for coping with the holidays and other special occasions.
5 Tips to Cope with Grief During the Holidays
Focus on You
Don't expect to do everything you have done in the past. Focus on you and choose what brings you the most comfort.
Create a Support System
Ask yourself, "What do I need to make it through this holiday season?" Set up your own support system with family and friends. During your griefing
period, even the smallest gesture from a loved one can provide you with comfort.
Evaluate Traditions or Create New Ones
Decide whether to continue traditions over the first year after a loss. Realize that things may be different in the future and planning something
different is not an insult to the memory of a loved one and can be a positive way to ease some of the pressure.
Be Honest With People
Be honest about what you can and can't do. Don't force yourself to do certain things or feel a certain way. Put yourself first versus others.
Plan Ahead
Think about the holidays and important dates now so you have a plan in place. Make decisions that are in your best interest.
About Doylestown Health Hospice
When a patient's life expectancy is six months or less, comfort care options may be needed. Doylestown Health Hospice provides expert pain management, symptom-control techniques, caregiver relief, psychosocial and spiritual support, bereavement support, medical therapies and palliative care. Our compassionate approach to end-of-life care includes physician services, registered nurses, a chaplain, a social worker, home health aides, volunteers, and bereavement counselors who work together to help the entire family during these very difficult times.