The holidays can be a challenging time for anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one. It can be challenging to celebrate for the first time without them.
KRCG spoke to Shawn Rasmussen of Leaders with Heartland Counseling, who gave a couple of suggestions on how best to get through the holiday season. One tip was to allow yourself to feel your feelings and not ignore them.
“You need to let your feelings hit. Like waves of an ocean,” Rasmussen said. “You just have to stand there. You take it. You cry; you release your anger. Whatever you’re feeling.”
If you don’t let them out, you might end up expressing them in ways you didn’t intend, she says.
When it comes to holiday gatherings, if you don’t feel comfortable attending, don’t. It’s ok to say no.
Writing a letter or journaling to your loved when can also help.
Julia Ellifritt, who works for Cornerstone of Hope, recommends setting out a stocking for your loved one. Encourage family members to share their favorite memories by writing them down and adding them to the stocking. Over the holidays, they can be read aloud.
And if you’re feeling really overwhelmed, try talking to friends or family who have been a vital source of support. Finding a grief group or trying counseling is also a good idea.
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