The holiday season is thought to be a family gathering, having a wonderful time, and sharing traditions. The media bombards us with advertisements of the perfect gift that would bring joy, happiness, and expression of love. The commercials portray the season with people singing, dancing, fulfilled expectations, and a sense of fun all around us. Usually, anxiety and stress are on the rise during the holiday season.
However, anxiety and stress have intensified over the last 21 months and more during the holiday season due to the COVID pandemic. It is still challenging for essential workers to wonder how much longer they must endure feeling helpless—losing family members, friends, and co-workers. For family caregivers who may have lost a loved one, the holidays can be a time of sadness, pain, anger, or dread. If you have lost a loved one, you might be wondering how to cope with your grief this holiday season. This may be your first holiday without your loved one. The holidays can be a painful reminder of our losses. It brings back memories and thoughts of the good times we spent with our loved ones and that they are not here to spend it with us. While everyone else is looking forward to the holidays, you may dread it. Be easy on yourself, especially if you recently lost a loved one. If you do not feel like celebrating, don't!
Here are some tips to help you cope during the holidays and beyond:
Offer Yourself Some Grace. The best thing you can do this holiday season is kind to yourself. Permit yourself to feel whatever it is you are feeling. Don't fall prey to the belief that you have to feel a certain way or do certain things for your holiday to be "normal." If you feel sad, allow the tears to come; if you feel angry, allow yourself to vent some steam.
Reach Out For Help. You need people you can talk to about what you're going through or just a shoulder to cry on. Sharing your feelings is the best way to get through them
Remember That You Will Survive. As hard as it is for you right now, you will survive. You will make it through the holidays in one piece. It may be the most challenging season in your time of grief, but it will pass. And when it does, you will come out on the other side stronger than before.
Would you please join us for our 45 mins monthly session on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at 7:00 pm? Topic: Managing holiday stress and anxiety. Special guest, Cruz Fuksman from NY Psychotherapy and Counseling Center (NYPCC).
