Grief During the Holidays and Other Important Dates
Holidays , anniversaries , and other important or significant dates can create increasing hardships for grievers . It is normal to need extra support during these times . Some ideas for surviving the holidays and other important dates may include :
› Create Support for Yourself
- Be with people who are supportive of your grief needs . Look for a support group , counselor , or friend
› Plan Ahead
- Consider ahead of time what may be helpful to you , both socially and emotionally
› Accept Limitations
- Grief changes our level of available energy . Lowering expectations for yourself during this time can be helpful
- Reevaluate priorities and limit commitments › Make Changes
- Consider changing your surroundings , rituals , traditions . Speak with family , friends , and your support system on what these changes may be for you this year
- Choose to spend time alone vs with family based on what ’ s best for you on these important dates
› Ask For and Accept Help
- Accept offers for help with cooking , cleaning , shopping , etc . Allow loved ones to offer their support in concrete ways
- Be specific about preferences during important dates ( not decorating , taking a vacation for Christmas , etc )
- Be specific about your needs : a shoulder to cry on , wanting to talk about your person , needing to be alone
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