Hospice Care in Westchester and Putnam Offers Advice on How to Cope with Grief During the Holiday Season

Now that the holiday season is approaching, and night steals light from the day, new and old grief seem easily rekindled. Feelings which you thought you had successfully “dealt with” can reappear, and you may again feel the shock, numbness, anger, sadness, disorganization, guilt, or relief, which you experienced months or years before. Or you may be encountering them for the first time. Here are some thoughts to consider. It is natural to ask how to get through the next few stressful months, which fill up with “to do” lists, invitations, empty evenings, and most especially, memories, “if only’s,” and expectations. It is a given that the season will be profoundly different for you this year, yet it is important to maintain hope; healing will take place. Remind yourself that each holiday has only 24 hours, and will pass. Know that you are not alone in this experience, and you can manage.

To help cope with these feelings of loss Hospice Care will be offering several interactive bereavement workshops throughout the holiday season in co-partnership with area hospitals. On Thursday, November 10, 2005 from 3 pm to 5 pm at the Hudson Valley Hospital Center in Cortlandt Manor. On Monday, November 14 from 6 pm to 8 pm at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco. On Thursday, November 17 from 3 pm to 5 pm at Sound Shore Medical Center in New Rochelle. On Monday, November 21 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Putnam Hospital Center in Carmel. The programs are free of charge and professionally facilitated but Pre-registration is required.

Also please keep in mind these strategies for coping with grief throughout the holidays:

Take care of yourself. It is normal to feel very tired, or to have energy swings. Rest when you need to, and do what feels right to you.

Feel free to change or modify traditions this year, or keep them just the same. Whatever works better for you. Set realistic expectations.

Let friends and family members know what you are thinking, and what you need. No one can read your mind.

Be sure to talk about your loved one. Share your thoughts and feelings.

If laughter and tears seem close to the surface, let them emerge. It helps to release pentup emotions.

It’s OK to simplify holiday chores, or even eliminate some altogether.

Re-connect with the community.

If it is a comfort to you, visit the cemetery, hold a private memorial, or make your own personal time to remember. Don’t fall into the trap of letting someone else tell you what you should do! They are not you.

Remember that you are still someone special. Volunteer your time to help others.

Our holiday customs evolve over time. The holidays themselves commemorate immense, pivotal, historic events. Use this holiday season, which comes at-a significant time for you, to express and strengthen your spirituality.

The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Hospice Care in Westchester & Putnam offers many bereavement groups and counseling services for both adults and children. If you need the comfort and support of others who understand what you are going through or to register for any of the workshops mentioned above, please contact Hospice Care in Westchester and Putnam at 914666-4228.