It’s the holiday season, bringing lots of cheer to many, but for some the feelings of loss and sorrow. This time of year can heighten emotions like grief, which is often overwhelming. Traditions of reunion with family and friends may bring on challenges as you navigate through rough spots to find warmth in special, unexpected places. So, what can we do to manage and cope with our grief?
Understanding how grief affects you, having conversations about what you’re feeling, and finding ways to remember your loved ones can help restore a sense of balance through this time. The brain is responsible for emotion and stress that is activated during the grieving process, potentially affecting chemicals and hormonal functioning or compromising your immune system.
For this reason, it’s important to take it easy and be gentle with yourself. Unfortunately, we live in a society that has conditioned us to “buck up” and “be strong.” Regardless, allow yourself the grace to honor your process and acknowledge that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. You are allowed to have emotional responses, you’re allowed to not feel 100% all the time, and you’re allowed to feel vulnerable. You’re grieving because you’ve loved, have been loved, and continue to love.
Embrace that love and the cherish the memories you shared with your loved one. It can just be as simiple as making a meal that reminds you of them or looking through old photographs or videos that you share. Listen to your feelings as they guide you through your journey of grief during the holidays. Finding a safe support system can be hard.
At the UW-Superior, Randy Barker from Student Health and Counseling Services shares what they have to offer, “Free mental health confidential services, grief being a main service.” Grief is one of those things that we need to be able to talk about, validate, and feel supported. Student Health and Counseling Services offers in-person and teleservices that will be available over the holidays.
The Pruitt Center for Mindfulness is another resource. Lori Tuominen, a Death Dula and Mindfulness Coach at Pruitt reminds us of the option to sign out books that may be helpful in understanding grief, like “Being Mortal – by Atul Gawande.” Support is always available here at UWS. Wishing you peace through the holidays.
