Coping With The Loss Of A Loved One During The Holidays

 

Losing a loved one, no matter the circumstances is never easy, losing a loved one around the holidays can be especially difficult because the holidays are a time dedicated to being with loved ones.

Recently famous television celebrity Kristin Cavallari lost her 30 year old brother, tragically, suddenly and without warning.  She went public with her lost by posting baby photos of her and her brother side by side and writing,  "My heart is in a million pieces. Mikey, I could always count on you to make me laugh. You had such a good heart and will be forever missed. I'm at a loss for words but I know u are in a better place and finally at peace. I love u so much RIP."

Although this seems like this should be a private moment for her, sometimes the best way to deal with the lost of a loved one is to share your feelings with others.

If you are struggling with your grief for the lost of a loved one during this holiday season, here are a few things you can do to make your grief more bearable.

 

Steps To Cope With The Loss Of A Loved One During The Holidays

Share your feelings publicly:

Take a page from Kristin Cavallari’s book and share your feelings of grief with others. These other people could be your family members, your friends, or even a chat room dedicated to the topic. The point is to not internalize your grief and try to deal with it on your own. Grief is a natural part of acceptance and healing and by sharing it with others helps you to release your pain.

Take The Time To Grieve:

It is not necessary to force yourself to be cheerful during the holiday season if you are not feeling up to it. Allow yourself time to cry and to have quiet time. Don’t feel the need to act as if your grief is not relevant or allowed just because it is the holidays. However, don’t get so lost in your grief that you forget to live and to smile every once in a while. Don’t feel guilty for finding some pleasure during your grief.

Do For Others:

While you are grieving get into the holiday spirit of giving and doing for others. It has been scientifically proven that when we give and help others it also helps our mood and attitude. Therefore use this time to volunteer your time to a nursing home, a food bank, or a children’s hospital. This will not only help you to momentarily forget your grief but it will help someone else to also momentarily forget their pain and trouble.