FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A 2021 survey found that 36% of U.S. adults preferred to skip the holidays due to feelings of loss or grief.<\/p>\n
Amongst the bright holiday lights and excitement, others might not be sharing that joy. Missing a lost loved one can heighten the holiday grief and tug at our emotions.<\/p>\n
“Grief is really unpredictable,” said Kathy Cromwell, the Executive Director of Counseling and Support Service at Hinds Lifecare. “We don’t know how we might feel this afternoon or the night of that event.”<\/p>\n
Health experts say grief is a nationwide concern. A survey found that 86% percent of Americans said that grief should be talked about as a mental health issue.<\/p>\n
Navigating grief during the holidays<\/p>\n
“Many say they just wish they could go to sleep, and when they wake up, it could be over,” said Cromwell. “It’s just very painful.”<\/p>\n
But it’s okay to express your feelings and communicate your needs.<\/p>\n
“I’ll ask clients sometimes what does your grieving heart need,” said Cromwell. “We often don’t ask ourselves that question, but when we do, sometimes we have an answer for that.”<\/p>\n
The Center for Grief & Healing offers support for people who need help navigating their grief. From support groups to their Hope for the Holidays workshop, and events with other families.<\/p>\n
“We have this event that we’re doing next week,” said Cromwell. “This is an event we’ve been doing for 20 years. It’s an ornament making and this is for parents and families and they come in to make a memorial ornament in honor of their baby.”<\/p>\n
Traditions can also feel different during a time of grief but it’s okay to make changes. Cromwell says weaving in a lost loved one into your holiday allows for connection and can help keep their spirit alive.<\/p>\n
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