Grief, loss, new traditions all part of COVID holidays
As the holiday season approaches and the weather gets colder, it may be more difficult to connect with people. With the COVID-19 pandemic, this holiday season will look different for many Wisconsin families, and people may experience grief and loss.
Whether someone has lost a loved one, is missing out on seeing family members, or misses the normalcy or traditions, coping with those feelings can be challenging. Grief is a normal and natural response to the loss of someone or something important.
Everyone experiences and express our grief differently. Some common reactions include feeling empty and numb; physical responses such as nausea, change in sleep or eating patterns; crying or anger; or withdrawing from family, friends and common activities.
The UW-Madison Division of Extension provides information about grief, including the following suggestions:
• Express needs. It’s alright to let people know what is, and isn’t helpful, right now.
• Help someone else. It may be helpful to volunteer or make a donation to a favorite cause in memory of someone.
• Give it time. There is no set time to be done grieving, but grief usually softens and changes with time. With time, the holidays will become easier to manage.
• Be aware of feelings. Allow mourning or feeling sadness. Identify what is lost.
• Name strengths and coping skills. Consider other times of loss. What was done to help get through it? What skills can be drawn upon now?
• Stay connected. Social distancing doesn’t have to prevent someone from getting support. Use phone calls, text messages, video chats and social media, to stay in touch with family and friends, who are positive and supportive.
• Limit news intake. Spending too much time reading or listening to news about the COVID-19 pandemic, can cause the mind to focus heavily on what has been lost, as well as increase anxiety. Find a balance to stay informed, without being consumed by it.
• Reflect on the journey. Loss doesn’t define a whole experience. Consider some of the good memories and the big picture.
• Reach out to others for support. Counseling and support services can be a guide through some of the challenges of grieving.
The COVID-19 pandemic may prevent people from practicing some holiday traditions this year. Creating new holiday traditions can help in healing and increase mental wellbeing. Think about what was important about the holiday traditions that didn’t happen this year.
Then, be creative in coming up with new ways to accomplish this, while keeping everyone safe and healthy.
For more information, visit chippewa.extension.wisc.edu.
