The holiday season can be a particularly challenging time for those who have lost a loved one, but a series of education sessions could help get through those tough times.
“The holiday season can compound feelings of loss,” says Jaime Bickerton, executive director of Bereaved Families of Ontario – Midwestern Region. “For people grieving the death of a loved one, it can be an especially difficult time of year.”
Three educational sessions titled Anything But Merry are being held in the region, including one on Monday, Dec. 11, at the YMCA-YWCA of Guelph starting at 7 p.m.
The sessions are open to all and a group discussion and potential coping strategies will be shared.
“It’s important that the holidays will look different from year to year. If people have experienced a loss recently, the holiday season will be different because they’re missing their loved ones. But as they’re moving through their grief journey, the next year might look a little different too,” Bickerton said.
She said people feel the absence of a loved one at the time of the year when everyone is being encouraged to spend more time with their families.
“The loss just becomes more pronounced,” Bickerton said.
Some of the coping strategies to be discussed at the sessions include being aware and tolerant of your emotions and time, not putting extra stress on yourself, Bickerton said.
“Being okay with saying ‘no.’ If you get invited to a holiday party and you’re not feeling up to it, it’s okay to decline the invitation,” she said.
Being open to changing holiday routines, holding on to the ones that make you feel okay and happy and perhaps letting go of some that don’t, is another strategy.
“We remind people to surround themselves with people who are going to be supportive. People who are going to listen and validate how you're feeling.”
She said people shouldn’t feel guilty about finding happiness during the holidays.
“And give yourself permission to be happy. It’s okay to have joy in the season even if you are grieving the loss of someone,” Bickerton said.
The sessions will be conducted by program coordinator Carly Kowalik.
The sessions are free, but it is asked that you pre-register so that organizers know how many people to expect.
To register call 519-603-0196 or email [email protected].
