Dealing with the Loss of Loved One During the Holidays

The holidays can be a stressful time even in the best of circumstances. But for those dealing with the loss of a loved one the holiday season can be even more challenging.

According to Judith Malinowski, a behavioral health expert from Ascension Eastwood Behavioral Health, an important aspect of the grieving process is to know that how each of us grieves is an individualized process.

“Some of us need to go to the cemetery and place flowers on the grave, some of us do not. When we give ourselves permission to grieve in a way that is healthy for us and not worry how others will judge us we do much better with the process.”

Malinowski says the most important aspect of grief is to understand that we may experience a multitude of emotions and that we need to honor ourselves with good self-care. “Remembering the loved one that is no longer with us in some way is also a way that we can honor life and the importance of relationships.”

Malinowski says reaching out to friends and family to share what we are experiencing allows others to support us and in turn enables us to not feel as lonely or alone. “Staying mindful, honoring the present without forgetting the past is the key to healthy grieving.”