Managing Bereavement during the Holidays
Think about various celebration methods.
Try organizing your celebration in advance. Christmas celebrations might not even feel necessary to you. Or, you may discover that the best way to honor the deceased and assist your family is to continue at least a few of your regular Christmas customs. It's critical to follow your own judgment and avoid feeling pushed to do anything you don't feel comfortable doing.
Look after yourself and yours who are grieving too.
What I like to mention, as I did in other articles before - grief is individual. Accept and recognize that different people may grieve in various ways. People grieve and remember in various ways, as we all know. Families might occasionally find it challenging when members have divergent perspectives on how to grieve, which can cause conflict. Strive to be considerate of others' needs and have frank conversations about what's best for you all as a group.
It can be tempting to drink more during the festive period and it can feel like a drink may help numb the pain. But it's crucial to keep in mind that utilizing recreational drugs or alcohol only brings about momentary relief. If you find yourself turning to alcohol for comfort, it may be time to get support. Get support and speak with others / someone. If you're having trouble coping with your sadness this Christmas, give your local Helpline a call.
Strive to stick to a schedule or a routine which do not feel good for you this time.
It might be more difficult to take care of yourself during the Christmas season if your regular schedule is disturbed. When feasible, maintaining regular eating and sleeping schedules can help. Little things like spending time with loved ones and friends or volunteering for a day can make a big difference. If you must spend Christmas alone, try to schedule regular meals and physical activity.
Perhaps - pausing or give up watching Christmas movies and TV shows. Surrounded by happy images of families celebrating, it can be difficult for many people - for others vice versa. If it becomes too much, think about taking a break from social media and TV and going outside to get some fresh air.
What I like to emphasize one more time - be open about your decisions and practice self-awareness
Once you’ve had a think about how you want to approach the holiday season, you may find it helpful to be open with those close to you. Having conversations with friends and family about how you feel and what your plans are can help everyone support you in ways which are sensitive to your grief.
It's crucial to make an effort not to overburden yourself or those around you, especially since daily mood swings are possible. Furthermore, even though the guidance we've already provided may help you think through your options for celebrating the holiday season, you might not yet know what feels right for you.
Keep in mind that's alright. Going through your first Christmas or holiday following a bereavement can bring up a whole range of emotions, which you're still processing and understanding. Especially coping with your first Christmas after a bereavement, make an effort to live each day as it comes, and don't be scared to prioritize yourself.
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