It’s not all sunshine and sleigh bells: grieving during the holidays

For many of us, the holidays are full of joy and love. However, holidays where grief and sadness dominate are also a reality for many, yet far less discussed. As the holiday season approaches, Maryellen wants to talk about grief. She hopes this episode sheds light on all the different faces of grief, and how, even during the most wonderful time of year, it’s okay not to be okay. This episode highlights:  

• Holidays without a loved one 
• How people grieve more than death  
• Grieving differences in family dynamics, and the reality of our expectations   
• How holidays are ripe with traditions and pressure to be in the holiday spirit, which can trigger people  
• What to do with our grief  
• That grief needs time  
• How, if we ignore our feelings, they don’t go away, but instead come out in different ways   
• That grief looks different for everyone   
• How, often people grieving want to be alone, but the number one thing we need when grieving is other people   
• Common symptoms of grief   
• That it’s okay to distract yourself from grief, too 
• How grief is so much more complicated than just the 5 stages commonly identified 

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