Balancing Joy and Grief During the Holidays
Posted on: December 27th, 2016
For many, the holidays and the coming New Year are an emotionally charged time of year. All the shopping, cooking and traveling pull us from the comfort of everyday routines and feelings rush in. Thoughts inevitably turn to holiday traditions and family members who have passed away. For some, grief can be overwhelming and eclipse joy and celebration, and for those with eating disorders grief can be a trigger that intensifies self-destructive eating behaviors.
If we anticipate this and put a plan in place, we can strike a healthy balance of both joyously participating in holiday festivities and acknowledging loved ones that have passed. Try the following:
- Try not to dismiss feelings of loss. Allow yourself to feel your feelings and accept that it IS hard, especially at this time of year.
- Reflect on the joyous times you spent with loved ones you’ve lost. These memories keep them alive in a sense and can be very comforting.
- When experiencing joy during the holidays try not to let guilt take hold. Having a good time doesn’t mean you care any less for lost loved ones— they would want you to enjoy life.
- Start a new tradition to honor those you’ve lost—it could be simply putting their photo alongside holiday decorations, or lighting a candle and inviting others to share favorites stories about them.
- Lean on family and friends. Most of us have experienced loss and grief and sharing these feelings helps us heal and reminds us that we are not su ering alone.
- Slow down the pace and share responsibilities. Allowing time for yourself reduces stress which helps maintain balance. You don’t have to accept every party invitation. If you typically host, ask a family member to consider hosting instead. Or at the very least accept their o ers to help shop, cook and decorate.
- Try to be mindful of major changes in eating behaviors. Feelings of grief, the stress of traveling, an abundance of party food and alcohol and many other challenges this time of year can trigger disordered eating or even full-blown eating disorders.
If you or a loved one are overwhelmed by grief and/or suspect you have eating issues seek help immediately. Contact Maureen Kritzer-Lange Psychotherapy at 973-313-1691 or info@maureenkritzerlange.com.
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