Saturday, December 10, 2005

Coping With Grief at Holidays

Sun Press, 12/8/05

If you have lost a loved one, the holiday season can heighten your sense of loss. Many people withdraw or skip the holiday season altogether, but this makes them feel worse.

Here are some tips for coping with the loss of a loved one during the holidays from Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett, Kent State associate professor of psychology and author of Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman's Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic and Fear.

Celebrate the Holidays. Use part of the celebratioin to honor the memory of the loved one. Hang a special ornament on the tree or share a favorite memory about the person.

Help someone else. So many men, women and children are alone or have very little for the holidays. Volunteer to serve dinner at a shelter, participate in an angel tree, or invite your elderly neighbor to dinner.

Remember you are not alone. Being around others who have experienced loss can help, especially when you encourage and share with each other.

Call (330) 672-2266 or visit aneal@kent.edu."

No comments: