Methodist Healthcare - December 01, 2021

The holidays should be a time of tremendous joy. But when you’ve experienced a loss—especially if that loss is recent—the season can bring painful feelings of sorrow to the surface.

Grief manifests differently in different people. It often accompanies the passing of a loved one, but can occur with other losses, like a divorce or being fired from your job. When you’re grieving, it may be marked by crying, sleeping too much or too little, overeating, a lack of appetite or avoiding social situations. Some people may be at greater risk for complicated grief, or grief that doesn’t get better over time, interfering with their ability to function.

Grief and complicated grief are different from major depression, but depression can develop at any time during the grieving process. People with a history of depression or anxiety, especially if it is undertreated or untreated, may be more vulnerable to the effects of grief.

If you’re worried about grieving over the holidays, try these strategies—so your feelings don’t become overwhelming.

Reach out

It is incredibly beneficial to be with friends and loved ones during a difficult time. Although family can be stressful and at times, frustrating, they also offer tremendous support and comfort when you are grieving. If you’re not feeling up to it, however, remember it’s okay to cancel plans—even at the last minute. Your close friends and family will understand.

Don’t ignore your grief

There isn’t an expiration date for heartache. It's okay to be sad—even during the holidays. Allow yourself to feel those emotions.

Time can help, but grief won’t go away on its own, and you can’t just wait it out. You need a place and way to process your feelings of loss.

Say no sometimes

The holidays are typically fraught with obligation after obligation. You don’t have to say yes to every event, or events that may worsen your grief.

Separate out the people and places that are supportive versus those that are toxic. But don’t say no to all events. Strike a balance between not engaging in events that will be triggers and being reclusive.

Don’t overdo commitments

If the thought of throwing an elaborate dinner or event feels overwhelming, simplify your plans. Focus on the people, not the activity. Don't get caught up insisting on hosting the perfect event.

Create new customs

When your seasonal traditions are closely tied to a loved one who has passed away, it’s okay to change things up. This can include traveling or hosting the holidays yourself, or even just cooking new foods. You can find ways to honor your loved one, too, like making a group donation to a favorite charity.

Ask yourself how this person would want to be remembered. Celebrating a person’s life can change the lens through which you are viewing your loss.

Focus on healthy habits

Don’t cope with grief or stress by drinking too much alcohol or engaging in other unhealthy behaviors. If you are dealing with grief and underlying depression or anxiety and add other substances, it will make everything worse.

Excess alcohol or drug use may temporarily ease your pain, but it can also damage your body and complicate your long-term recovery. In contrast, eating a healthy diet, exercising and getting adequate sleep may help improve your mood and maintain good health overall.

For healthy recipes, wellness tips, interviews with doctors and more, subscribe to become a HealthMatters member.

Become a HealthMatters Member

Give back

Whether it’s serving Christmas dinner at a local homeless shelter, organizing a holiday coat drive or joining an organization important to your deceased loved one, volunteering can help you better cope with your grief during and after the holiday season. Research shows that giving your time to a good cause can reduce the risk of depression, lower stress and reignite a sense of purpose, among other benefits.

Seek professional help

If there is a day or two over the holidays where grief hits you especially hard, that’s okay. But if it settles in and doesn’t go away, it may be time to seek professional help.

You should also reach out for help if you’re struggling to the point that it’s difficult to function. These feelings may suggest complicated grief or depression. Talk therapy, with or without medication, can get you back on track. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a therapist, who can help you handle your grief around the holidays and in the days moving forward.

For more information about our behavioral health services at Methodist Healthcare, please call (210) 575-0500.

If your grief is overwhelming and you’re thinking of harming yourself, it’s important to get help right away. Head to an emergency room, dial the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 immediately.

Medically reviewed in September 2019.