clinical social worker addresses dealing with holiday grief

JACKSONVILLE, Fla – Dealing with the loss of a loved one is difficult especially during the Christmas holiday, but there are resources available that can help you get through.

The holiday season is usually what people call the most wonderful time of the year but for people grieving, it’s really not the case. More than 57% of Americans reported experiencing a major loss over the last three years.

“Even if you’re not grieving, sometimes people feel low over the holidays. There’s a lot of pressure to feel good and grateful for everything,” Lori Osachy, a licensed clinical social worker said.

She acknowledged that navigating grief during the holidays is difficult, but she said there are ways to get through it.

Osachy recommended that people reach out to online support groups. There are people who are private with their emotions or they may be uncomfortable sharing how they feel in an open setting.

“Not everybody feels like sharing that’s for sure. So, I would say rituals that will help you to express your grief, like visiting the person’s gravesite, or doing a ritual where you remember them like lighting a candle,” Osachy said.

If you know someone grappling with loss you can also be a support system. Osachy suggested leading with compassion.

“I think just saying, we’re here if you need us. You can be yourself. If you need to cry, it’s fine to cry. You don’t need to feel like you need to put on a show for us. Let us know if you need a hug or not,” Osachy said.

These are just small steps to help heal a broken heart during the holidays.