Adapted from National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization Bereavement Professionals Chat, Grief Support and the Holidays, Kara Thoma, LCSW, ACHP-SW, Joelle Osterhaus, LCSW, ACHP-SW, October 2021.
The holidays are an emotional and often stressful time for most of us, which are often further intensified for the bereaved. As the time approaches, dread, anxiety, and worry can wash over us, filling our heart and mind. We may feel isolated because during a time when others are “merry,” we may not feel merry at all to the point where it feels like no one understands. Others may want to keep things exactly as they used to be. It can feel like the progress we made with our grief takes ten steps back. How can the bereaved enjoy the holidays while also grieving? The four R’s can serve as a guide. (more…)