5 tips for Coping with Grief During a “Very Covid Christmas”

Colorful lights are hanging from trees and sparkling in the crisp late fall air.  Wreaths and menorahs in the windows to show the impending celebrations within. Standing outside looking in it appears to be a typical holiday season gearing up. All the sparkle and shine can distract from the reality of those coping with grief during the holidays. And with this year being an unexpected Covid Christmas, dealing with that grief is even harder. 

This year is oh so different in many ways. 

 We are in the middle of a global pandemic, mental health and general well being is at risk and struggling. So many people have lost loved ones this year. Most of us are also grieving the world we once knew. There are so many losses that have accompanied the unrest going on around the globe. 

Holidays can always be a sensitive time for those who grieve. 

This year brings even more challenges for the grief stricken. Connection is often what holds us together as humans. There are even studies out there that show people who experience high levels of “community” and connections are happier and live longer. In a year that has brought a lot of loneliness and isolation and loss it is so important to make sure that we are all paying attention to self care. So how does one deal with their grief during this Covid Christmas?

5 tips on Coping with Grief During a “Covid Christmas” and Holiday Season. 

1. The biggest thing to remember is that you are not alone. Your loss may not be exactly like someone else’s. You may be surprised to find that many can identify with the same types of feelings you are having.
2. Stay connected–Whether it is online or in person make sure to keep your important relationships a priority. Meet with people, talk about what you are feeling. These days it may have to be a socially distanced walk or a zoom call.
3. Create a support system. Friends and family are a great start when it comes to a support system. A support system could also include therapists, counselors and grief support groups. There are so many great online options during this time when in person may not be an option.
4. Ask for help. Whether it is help with chores at home, an empathetic ear or even clarification on how to fund counseling. People are often more willing to help than you think they are. It can be hard to ask but it’s harder to do it alone. 
5. Celebrate traditions. Remember loved ones by keeping traditions. It may cause emotions…but emotions are okay, even when they don’t feel so good. We need to feel all those feelings. 

It is true Christmas could be different for a lot of us this year. 

Not being able to be with family as a result of social distancing or having someone missing because they have passed away, will be so very challenging. It is a perfect time to go back to the basics and scrounge up every bit of gratitude as possible. What we are missing often reminds us of what is important. Crowded shopping malls and overeating may not be all it’s cracked up to be.

 Coping with grief during the holidays is never easy especially during a pandemic. Acknowledging that it will be rough is healthy. The more you can connect with others in some way the more successful you can be at making it through the holiday season. If you are struggling, find mental health resources at NAMI or get connected to one of Bakken Young’s grief groups.