Grief and the holiday season

​This time of year is challenging if you’ve experienced the death of a loved one. Christmas and other anniversaries can trigger grief. What is socially expected to be a fun holiday season, can become a world of pain.

There is sometimes an expectation that grief should be put aside during the festive period, that we may be spoiling it for everyone else if we let people know how we really feel. It may be hard for others to understand the huge emotions that threaten to boil over as we try to put on a brave face.  While you can’t rush the grieving process, there are things you can do to make the holiday period easier. You may need to challenge your or your family’s idea of the ‘perfect Christmas.’ For some, it may mean not celebrating at all. Acknowledge that the holidays will be different.

Tips for coping with grief over the holiday season:

• Share your memories with someone else, the photos and the stories. Don’t be afraid to laugh as you remember the good times
• Do something simple that makes you feel good. Read a magazine, go for a walk, listen to music, go fishing, get a massage or enjoy a cup of coffee at your favourite cafe
• Plan your time so that you are under as little stress as possible.
• Listen to yourself, communicate with your family, and do what works for you
• Ensure some quiet time. It’s OK to miss events if you don’t feel up to going. Take time out when you need it
• Remember that it’s OK to be happy during the festive season. This doesn’t diminish how much you miss the person who isn’t here
• If you are finding it difficult to manage, see your friendly GP, who can help link you in with a counsellor or psychologist.

24/7 National Crisis Support Lines
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Useful websites and resources:
www.nalag.org.au
www.grief.org.au
www.mygriefassist.com.au
For support helping kids and young people, visit the National Centre for Childhood Grief at www.childhoodgrief.org.au or Good Grief at www.goodgrief.org.au
Your Family Doctors at Erina On The Coast Families @yerin Tour de Cure Australia Alpine Everesting Belinda Field
Sources: NALAG, National Association for Loss and Grief NSW, Palliative Care Australia.