For many, the holidays are a very joyous time, filled with friends, family and memories to be made and cherished for years to come. For thousands of others, however, the holidays can trigger depression and memories that are also associated with the loss of a loved one. People may feel alone, even when surrounded by others, and the missing piece in their lives is highlighted by their absence in all of the traditions. St. Anthony Regional Hospital (SARH) is offering some tips to incorporate this time of year to help people not only acknowledge their grief, but to still be able to find joy and peace throughout the holiday season. The first thing they suggest is getting out and surrounding yourself with people you love and who love you too. Resist that urge to isolate yourself and get out and about, even if it is only for a brief period of time. Talk to someone you trust about your feelings, whether that is a friend, family or clergy member or a counselor. They also say you need to give yourself permission to change some of the established traditions and lower your expectations. Some traditions may be too painful, and you can give yourself a break by avoiding those and creating something new. It is also normal to have high expectations of what the holidays should be like, but the stress of not being able to live up to an unrealistic, fictionalized perception can take its toll. Take the time enjoy the more meaningful parts of the season, such as the true meaning of the holiday, the beauty of the surroundings and the time spent with loved ones. Giving to others is another great way to take the focus off your own worries. This almost always makes you feel better. There are also a vast array of resources available and people who are going through the same thing that can provide support. The St. Anthony Bereavement Support Group is there to discuss a variety of issues and provide the opportunity to open up about your feelings, as well as to provide a way of giving back simply by being there for others. Support group meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 5 p.m. in the Hospice office, Suite 2 of the Luke Building. More information is available through the contact points included below.
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For more information: Ann Byrne-Boes
Phone: 712-794-5517
Email: AByrne@stanthonyhospital.org
