The holiday season is generally a time of busyness for young and old. For bereaved families, what used to be a time filled with joy, may now be filled will the pain of loss amid the whirl of decorations, gifts and gatherings. The Mission Hospice Society has provided some information about how you can help yourself cope with your grief during the often difficult holiday season.

What is Grief?

Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. You may associate grief with the death of a loved one – and this type of loss does often cause the most intense grief. But any loss can cause grief. Grief can also be compounded by multiple losses. The initial loss may not cause intense grief however subsequent loss may trigger your grief.

Coping with Grief and Loss.

 Losing someone or something you love is very painful. After a significant loss, you may experience all kinds of difficult and surprising emotions, such as shock, anger, and guilt.  Sometimes it may feel like the sadness will never let up. While these feelings can be frightening and overwhelming, they are normal reactions to loss. Accepting them as part of the grieving process and allowing yourself to feel what you feel is necessary for healing.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve — but there are healthy ways to cope with the pain. You can get through it! Grief that is expressed and experienced has a potential for healing that eventually can strengthen and enrich life.  Whatever your grief experience, it’s important to be patient with yourself and allow the process to naturally unfold. Remember, grief is not an event… it is a process, that takes time to heal.

Here are some tips to help you cope with your grief:

Tip #1: Get support

The single most important factor in healing from loss is having the support of other people. Wherever the support comes from, accept it and do not grieve alone.  

 * Connecting to others will help you heal   

 * Turn to friends and family members        

 * Draw comfort from your faith   

* Join a support group (i.e. hospice society)

* Talk to a professional that specializes in grief and loss.

Tip #2: Take care of yourself

When you’re grieving, it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself. Looking after your physical and emotional needs will help you get through this difficult time.

* Face your feelings

* Express your feelings in a tangible or creative way

* Look after your physical health

* Don’t let anyone tell you how to feel, and don’t tell yourself how to feel either

* Plan ahead for grief “triggers”

If you are living with a terminal illness, if someone you love is dying, if you are grieving the loss of a loved one, Mission Hospice can help. Our trained grief and bereavement coordinators offer one-to-one, family and group support to anyone who needs it.  

For more information about the programs and services offered by the Mission Hospice Society, and to donate to the work we do, please visit www.missionhospice.bc.ca or call 604-826-2235.