Bereavement counselor provides tips for coping with grief during holidays

Dr. Judy Pierson, clinical psychologist, presented "The Ups and Downs of the Holidays" for those who are grieving Nov. 16 at a Delaware Hospice workshop in Milford.

Pierson's talk included the message that, in order to heal, those grieving need to focus on themselves, which puts them out of sync with the holiday mind-set of happiness and giving to others. Having moments of fun and pleasure may bring on a backlash of guilt. A focus on religious activities may be difficult if one is angry at or feels abandoned by God. Alcohol may be around in greater abundance, which, instead of reducing anxiety or pain, may increase depression. And, finally, renewed depths of exhaustion might be experienced between the loss and holiday demands.

Steps one can take to help cope with the holidays include acknowledging feelings, organizing a family meeting to discuss how to handle the upcoming celebrations, creating a ritual to honor the person who will be missing and more.

Delaware Hospice’s Family Support Center offers lectures and workshops focused on helping members of the community reinvest in life. Lunch Bunch Lectures are held on the first Friday of each month, and the Dec. 6 topic will be Healing the Wounded Inner Child.

Learn more about the Family Support Center’s programs and services by contacting Sondra Satterfield at 302-678-4444, Ext. 2103, or ssatterfield@delawarehospice.org.