The holidays can be a time of grief and sadness for those suffering from loss. Grief can be encompassing. It can come in overwhelming waves that make it difficult to cope. With the sights and sounds of holiday cheer all around, how can someone suffering from grief find relief?

Understanding Grief

Grief is a natural, emotional reaction to loss or change. It can cause you to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, depressed or angry. Grief can leave you stunned and left wondering if you’ll ever recognize your life again. The truth is, healing is a journey that doesn’t happen overnight.

To start, be kind to yourself.

Let yourself feel.

Label your emotions and don’t believe you have to “feel” a certain way. Accepting and acknowledging the pain is better than constant avoidance Give yourself permission to grieve.

Find Support on Your Healing Journey

Another essential element to healing is finding the right support system. Don’t be afraid to reach out when you feel lonely. Don’t put your emotional needs on the back burner. Sometimes, you might have to reach out because friends and family members might feel uncomfortable talking about your grief. They might think that you don’t want to talk about it. Even on the hardest days, remember that grief is a part of healing.

Be sure to set boundaries.

Caving into pressure or pretending to be “OK” can make your pain and grief even worse. Avoidance can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drug or alcohol use. One of the best ways to deal with grief is to seek the help of a mental health professional.

Dr. Madaram at Freedom Psychiatry believes that everyone has the strength to overcome challenges. Sometimes he needs to help you find it. In fact, sometimes he believes his role is showing you the way to find it yourself.

This holiday season, remember that the best gift you can give yourself is to be kind and true to yourself. Commit to living life as the best version of YOU possible. Be kind to yourself as you adjust to loss and deal with grief. We’re here for you! Give us as call today 919-802-1417