Here’s how to cope with the holiday blues in a healthy way

Christmas will be extremely difficult for anyone who has lost a loved one in their life. Those who grieve the death of a loved one likely dread the holidays since it is often a joyful time reserved for spending time with members of the family and friends. The holidays may trigger painful feelings of longing and grief for the bereaved, and witnessing the happiness of others can trigger anger, resentment, sadness and pain, in addition to feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially in case you often enjoy indulging in holiday traditions. However, there are methods to cope with the holiday blues and feel supported, uplifted and supported during the holiday season. Here are some easy ways to cope with the complex sense of loss during the holiday season.

For those grieving during the holiday season:

Consider finding a grief support group: Joining a support group with other individuals who have experienced grief will be a great way to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

Acknowledge your feelings: Sitting with your grief will be a complicated process, but it surely is essential to confront it with the hope of taking steps towards healing.

Talk to a therapist: If you’ll be able to’t cope with it, talking to a specialist will be very helpful.

Spend time with supportive family and friends. Surround yourself with individuals who make you are feeling loved, supported and never judged.

Get involved in your community: Volunteering or doing other activities to help others in need will help take your mind off the sadness and make you are feeling good.

Keep the spirit of your family members alive during the holidays: Decorate with their favorite colours or decorations. You may play their favorite Christmas songs, prepare their favorite dishes, take a look at their old photos and listen to their recordings.

Here’s how to deal with a grieving person:

Acknowledge their loss. There’s nothing unsuitable with telling them something about what happened. Avoid phrases like “at least,” “it was for the best,” or “they’re calm now.”

Be an lively listener. Let them discuss their family members and their sadness. Avoid giving advice and telling them how they need to feel.

Sit with them in their sadness: Sometimes it’s best to do or say nothing while a person is grieving. Let them feel your feelings.

Don’t tell them how to feel: Try not to impose their feelings by telling them how they need to feel. Instead, offer them a secure and soft space to land.

Offer real help: Instead of claiming, “Let me know what you need help with,” roll up your sleeves and offer practical support, like running errands, preparing a meal, cleansing up, giving them an Uber Eats gift card, or inviting them out for a drink. These small but doable acts of service will make their lives easier because most of their thoughts are consumed with grief and balancing life beyond the loss.

Be patient and understanding: Grief is a lifelong process that does not magically disappear overnight, because the person in your life who’s grieving needs gentleness, understanding and beauty. It is best to be compassionate and never judge their behavior or how they’re going through the grieving process.