Navigating Holiday Grief: Expert Strategies for Self-Care and Healing During the Festive Season

,

 / 

Holiday Grief

The holiday season, traditionally a time for joy and togetherness, can be challenging for those grappling with recent loss or trauma. As Alysha Tagert, a trauma therapist in Washington, D.C., notes, “Holiday grief can be about many things, like the loss of a loved one or bad memories from the past.” In light of this, mental health experts offer valuable insights into managing the complexities of grief during the festive season.

Expect the Unexpected During Holiday Grief

Grief, often associated with sadness following the loss of a person or thing, can encompass a range of emotions. Tagert emphasizes that these emotions are not experienced linearly, catching people off guard. Acknowledging and understanding this unpredictability is the first step in navigating holiday-related grief.

Know and Communicate Your Needs

Licensed therapist Christine Slomski advises individuals to identify and communicate their needs clearly to friends and family. Whether it’s a simple hug or the need for personal space, setting expectations ahead of time can create a supportive environment.

Prepare for Tough Moments

Recognizing that difficult moments will inevitably arise during the holiday season, especially when others seem joyous, is crucial. Tagert suggests preparing for such instances and having courteous phrases on hand to navigate conversations that may trigger grief or discomfort.

Identify Self-Care Routines

Building a toolkit of self-care routines equips individuals to manage emotional pain effectively. Slomski recommends creating a list of healthy alternatives to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Whether it’s seeking connection with friends, taking a sunlit walk, or practicing meditation, having proactive self-care strategies is vital.

Schedule Time with a Professional

Acknowledging the presence of known and unknown triggers, Maggie Rose Macar, CEO and founder of the mental health app zant, suggests scheduling sessions with a therapist in advance. Seeking professional support can be especially beneficial during the holiday season, reducing stress and providing valuable coping mechanisms.

Surround Yourself with Friends and Family

While the instinct may be to isolate, Macar urges individuals to force themselves to connect with friends and family. Creating a built-in support system by communicating holiday plans and spending time with loved ones can help alleviate feelings of grief.

Give Back and Do Good for Others

Despite initial reservations, benevolent acts can release chemicals like serotonin, offering a positive impact on one’s well-being. Macar emphasizes that giving back not only fosters a sense of goodness in the world but also provides comfort during challenging times.

Consider Joining a Support Group

Joining an online or in-person support group may initially seem daunting, but Macar suggests it can be a transformative experience. Surrounding oneself with understanding individuals in a safe space can offer comfort and a sense of connection.

Take Your Time To Heal from Holiday Grief

Healing is a process, not a problem to be solved, according to Slomski. Granting oneself the gift of self-compassion, gentleness, and time to navigate feelings and needs is essential during the holiday season.

In summary, as the holiday season approaches, understanding and implementing these expert tips can make a significant difference for those dealing with grief. By embracing self-care, seeking support, and acknowledging the unpredictable nature of grief, individuals can navigate the festive season with resilience and healing.

The holidays may still present challenges, but with the right strategies, they can also become a time of reflection, growth, and eventual peace.

— Share —

, ,

— About the Author —

Kerin Stark

I am a person who loves to craft engaging narratives. As an extrovert, I thrive on connecting with audiences through my words. When I’m not immersed in writing, I find joy in dance, where movement becomes my language. Poetry and storytelling hold a special place in my heart. Let’s embark on a journey of words together.

Leave a Reply

Up Next

New Study Reveals Link Between Depression, Anorexia, and Gut Microbiota

Holiday Grief

A recent study published in BMC Psychiatry sheds light on a potential connection between major depressive disorder (MDD), anorexia, and gut microbiota. Led by researchers at the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, the study suggests that individuals with both depression and anorexia exhibit distinct patterns in their gut bacteria, particularly involving the presence of a specific bacterium called Blautia.

Depression, characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in daily activities, affects millions worldwide and is often accompanied by a high risk of suicide. Anorexia, marked by reduced appetite and distorted body image, commonly co-occurs with depression, complicating treatment efforts.

Gut Bacteria’s Role in Depression and Anorexia

Up Next

Anxiety Alleviation: Dietitians Recommend 4 Drinks to Lower Anxiety

Holiday Grief

In a world where stress and anxiety are prevalent, with up to 19% of U.S. adults experiencing prolonged anxiety, the quest for effective coping mechanisms continues.

While traditional treatments like medication and therapy remain pillars of support, emerging research suggests that dietary choices, including hydration, might play a significant role in managing anxiety levels.

Drinks to Lower Anxiety You Must Know About

Here, we delve into the top drinks to lower anxiety recommended by dietitians –

1. Chamomile Tea: Renowned for its calming properties, chamomile tea contains apigenin, a flavonoid compound known for its anti-anxiety effects. Wan Na Chan, M.P.H., RD,

Up Next

Managing Autoimmune Disorders Through Yoga: Effective Practices to Consider

Holiday Grief

In recent years, the intersection between holistic practices like yoga and conventional medicine has garnered significant attention, particularly in the realm of managing autoimmune disorders.

A burgeoning body of research suggests that incorporating yoga into treatment plans can offer tangible benefits for individuals grappling with autoimmune conditions. From rheumatoid arthritis to lupus, yoga’s gentle yet powerful techniques hold promise in alleviating symptoms and improving overall quality of life.

Yoga, with its emphasis on mindful movement, breathwork, and relaxation, provides a multifaceted approach to managing autoimmune disorders. The practice not only addresses physical symptoms but also targets the underlying stress and inflammation that often exacerbate these conditions.

Up Next

Pregnancy Linked to Accelerated Aging Process in Women, Study Finds

Holiday Grief

In a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers shed light on a compelling connection between pregnancy and the aging process in women.

The study, led by Calen Ryan, an associate research scientist at the Columbia University Ageing Center, suggests that women who have experienced pregnancy may exhibit more signs of biological aging compared to those who haven’t. Intriguingly, the research also indicates that the aging process may accelerate with multiple pregnancies.

Ryan commented on the findings, stating, “We’re discovering that pregnancy leaves lasting effects on the body. While not all are negative, it appears to heighten the risk of certain diseases and overall mortality.”

Stud

Up Next

Unlocking Hoarding Disorder: Understanding, Support, and Effective Solutions

Holiday Grief

Hoarding disorder, a mental health condition characterized by persistent difficulty in parting with possessions and accumulating excessive clutter, affects millions of individuals worldwide. Here’s what you need to know about this often misunderstood disorder and how to support those who struggle with it.

Defining Hoarding Disorder:

Hoarding disorder is a complex mental health condition marked by a compulsive urge to accumulate possessions, leading to overwhelming clutter and difficulty discarding items.

According to experts like Brad Schmidt and Gregory Chasson, individuals with hoarding disorder often experience distress at the thought of parting with their belongings and may also have a strong desire to acquire new items.

Up Next

Understanding Cherophobia: Signs, Causes, and Coping Strategies

Holiday Grief

Cherophobia, a condition characterized by an aversion to happiness, has garnered attention for its impact on mental well-being.

Derived from the Greek word “Chairo,” meaning “I rejoice,” cherophobia manifests as an irrational fear of experiencing joy. Therapist Carolyn Rubenstein explains that this fear often stems from anxious thoughts associated with past trauma or childhood experiences linking happiness to negative outcomes.

Signs of Cherophobia

Recognizing the signs of cherophobia is crucial for identifying individuals who may be struggling with this condition:

Feelings of Guilt and Unworthiness: Those with cherophobia experience guilt and unwor

Up Next

Stress Can Lead to Cortisol Belly: Here’s How to Fix It

Holiday Grief

Stress can affect our lives in many ways, from our mental health to our relationships, but it can also lead to physical symptoms such as ‘cortisol belly’. Cortisol belly, named after the stress hormone, has been widely discussed on social platforms such as TikTok, with users and experts explaining how it occurs, and theorizing what could be done about it.

While you may not have heard of the term ‘cortisol belly’ before, you might have heard of stubborn belly fat or stress belly, which are essentially the same thing. This is because it refers to the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue around the stomach, which has been linked to prolonged exposure to elevated levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.

What Is Cortisol Belly?

According to dietitian

— Follow Us —