The holiday season, often celebrated with joy and togetherness, can be a challenging time for those grieving the loss of a loved one. For some, this may even mark their first holiday season without someone they care deeply about. The Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD) Mental Health Team recently found a blog post by Tehreem Khan from the University of Alabama particularly helpful in addressing the complexities of grief during this season.
The content of this blog post we attribute to Tehreem Khan.
Grief: A Personal Journey
Grief is not a straightforward process. It shifts between emotions like joy, sorrow, and acceptance, often unexpectedly. Mourning—a personal way of expressing grief—is vital and can help in healing. Choosing healthy ways to honor loved ones' memories, such as stepping away from overwhelming situations or reaching out for support, is essential (adapted from BFHD Mental Health Team’s interpretation of insights shared by Khan).
Understanding Grief’s Complexity
Grief affects everyone differently. While models like the five stages of grief are commonly referenced, they don’t capture the deeply personal and non-linear nature of the experience. Grief can also take various forms, including:
- Anticipatory Grief: Experiencing loss as someone’s health declines.
- Disenfranchised Grief: Loss not recognized by others.
- Cumulative Grief: Facing multiple losses in a short time.
- Traumatic Grief: Loss due to sudden or violent events.
Acknowledging individual perceptions of loss is key to understanding and coping with grief.
Tips for Navigating Grief
Everyone copes with grief differently, but here are some strategies that might help during the holidays:
- Be Gentle with Yourself: Focus on what feels right instead of what you think you "should" do.
- Set Boundaries: Limit exposure to triggers or upsetting situations if needed.
- Communicate: Share feelings with trusted friends or family and prepare them for any changes in traditions.
- Adapt Traditions: Continue comforting rituals or create new ones to help process loss.
- Engage in Positive Activities: Journaling, walking, or volunteering can provide relief.
- Seek Support: Reaching out to support groups or trusted people can reduce feelings of isolation.
Seeking Support
Grief is a deeply personal journey, and there is no single right way to navigate it. For those struggling during the holidays, reaching out to trusted friends, family members, or support groups can provide relief.
As Shannon McCarthy, Ph.D., of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Education, said that one may not be able to stop or alter the situations causing grief to people, but they can help them cope with it by being there for them. Here are a few ways to help:
- If someone you know is grieving, do not be afraid to check in on them during this time.
- Ask them what they might need or what they feel up for, and express understanding if they need to do things differently during the holidays this year than in the past.
- Do not just be open to listening to them; explicitly tell them that you are prepared to listen when they are ready or when they need you.
- Respect their boundaries.
- If there are times when they want to be alone, or things they do not want to do, honor that. However, at the same time, watch for increased isolation or withdrawal.
This season, the Benton-Franklin Health District Mental Health Team encourages everyone to approach grief with compassion—both for themselves and others. By recognizing and respecting the diverse ways individuals process loss, we can create a more supportive environment for those facing sorrow amidst the holiday cheer.
For more insights and strategies, the full article by Tehreem Khan can be found on the University of Alabama website, offering valuable guidance for anyone navigating grief: Grief during holidays: stages, types and coping tips - News | UAB.