Dealing with your grief through the holiday season can be overwhelming and you may be worried about how you are going to cope.

You may not feel happy and joyful around this time and feel there is an expectation to be this way.

You might be going through the motions of just trying to get through each day during this time.

Or maybe you are dreading the loneliness this season will bring.

Whether you are recently bereaved or if your loved one has been gone for a while this time of year can intensify grief feelings.

It can bring up memories of times when your loved one was with you. These can be happy or sad and often painful because of the reality that your loved one is no longer with you.

Our senses can trigger sounds and smells that remind you of them and then there is the “empty chair” of where they once sat.

You might be worried about being upset and ruining everyone’s fun especially if you are spending the holidays with children.

You may also be wondering how you’re going to cope with everyone else’s grief alongside your own.

Here are some things to remember when you are finding it hard to cope:

You are not alone many bereaved people feel this way.

Your Grief is a unique experience and is personal to you.

You are not responsible for anyone else’s grief only your own.

Do what you feel is right for you not what others think is.

You may feel you don’t want to be part of the celebrations. This is ok.

If you can - speak to a family member or friend. Tell them how you feeling and what you most need during this time and ask for their support.

Be gentle with yourself it’s ok not to be ok. It’s also ok to experience moments of positivity and joy alongside your grief.

If you feel overwhelmed with emotions allow yourself to feel them without judgement.

If it all gets too much it’s ok to take some time out to be with your thoughts or to distract yourself.

Any kind of movement is a good distraction and just breathing more slowly following your breath in and out can help.

If you are going to be alone this year and worried about how you will get through the holidays, is there anyone you could call each day or is there anyone that could check in with you?

If there isn’t the Samaritans helpline is open all through the holiday season freephone 116 123.

Your grief and you matter so please take care of yourself this holiday season.

karenwelchcounselling.co.uk