Coping with Grief Through the Holidays
For most people, the holidays represent family gatherings, festive parties, and time spent with loved ones. For people who have suffered the recent loss of a loved one, however, the holiday season can be a challenging time. Grieving individuals can become overwhelmed by the ghosts of holidays past, especially in the event of an untimely wrongful death. With the right planning and flexibility, however, much of the stress and anticipation associated with the holidays can be alleviated. Here are some easy to follow tips to help the grieving cope this holiday season.
- Take care of yourself. Stress, anxiety, and depression are a dangerous combination at any time of the year, but the holidays can trigger even more serious bouts with these emotional disorders. Remember to eat well and exercise, and seek grief counseling if you become overwhelmed.
- Don’t try to avoid talking about your lost loved one. It is tempting to try to avoid talking about the recently departed, especially if small children have been affected by the loss. Talking and remembering the good times shared with your loved one, however, is part of the healing process.
- Create new traditions; abandon painful ones. Traditions are a normal and healthy part of the holiday season, but not all traditions have to be continued indefinitely. If you and your loved shared a tradition that you cannot bear to carry out alone, then it is absolutely acceptable to discontinue it. Consider creating a new tradition to honor the deceased. Some ideas include decorating a small tree at the grave site, singing their favorite holiday song, lighting a candle in their memory, or donating a gift in your loved one’s name.
- Take it easy. It is important to try to strike the appropriate balance between not isolating yourself and not spreading yourself too thin. Attend as many holiday functions as you can handle, but always have an escape route. Drive yourself so you can leave when you want, and do not hesitate to turn down an invitation if you feel that you need some alone time. Do not let others make you feel that you have to do something you do not feel ready to tackle.
- Be with people you enjoy. As much as possible, surround yourself with people who understand what you are going through and whose company you enjoy. You will feel more open to expressing yourself and being honest around people that you trust and who understand you.
- Consider volunteering. Helping others is a tried and true way to boost the way you feel. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or animal shelter this holiday season.
- Be flexible. Above all, remember that this holiday season will be different, you will feel sad sometimes, and you will need to make adjustments. Be prepared to deal with those things when they happen. Never hesitate to phone a friend, close relative, or professional grief counselor when you feel you need support.
The Tennessee wrongful death attorneys at Bailey & Greer are here to help. If you have a question about the loss of a loved, please call us today for a free consultation at 901-680-9777.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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