By Becca Jozsa, MLK Social Worker and Wellbeing Specialist
Nov. 23, 2021- The holidays are a wonderful time of year to spend with our loved ones, to give back to our community and to recognize things we are grateful for. It can also be a difficult time for us as we may be grieving the loss of a loved one, a beloved pet, a friend, our physical abilities, or the grief of this past year and a half.
Grief is our body and mind’s response to loss. It can be messy and painful, and everyone can experience grief in their own unique way. While tending to our grief is important, it is also important to take care of our wellbeing. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Express your emotions. Being able to express what we feel can help us to heal. Try to find a meaningful, healthy outlet for you to let out your emotions. This could be through talking to others, through art, cooking, prayer, going to therapy, journaling, music, exercise, being in nature, and more.
- It’s ok to talk about those that we miss. Remembering them and talking about the memories can be a source of comfort for some. Don’t be ashamed to share stories or look at photo albums.
- Remember, hygiene still matters. Make time to care for your body such as brushing your teeth, brushing your hair, and showering. Doing these simple things for yourself can help you feel refreshed and can also be a win for the day.
- Nourish your body and support your immune system with nutritious foods and plenty of water.
- Surround yourself with people who love and support you. Being around people that bring you joy and supports your emotional health can help us on our hardest days.
Feel free to reach out to organizations for additional resources and support such as:
Grief Share. A friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. With Grief Share you can attend a support group within your area. https://www.griefshare.org/
Our House Grief Support Center. Offering Bereavement support groups via zoom. More information below: https://www.ourhouse-grief.org/groups-at-our-centers/
Phone Lines:
- National Suicide prevention line. Open 24/7. 800-273-8255
- Disaster Distress Line: 800-985-5990. Or TEXT “TalkWithUs” to 66746
- Crisis Text Line. Text “LA” to 741741.
- The Samaritans: Call 877-8870-4673. Or TEXT 877-870-4673. This is a non-profit organization that offers emotional support to anyone who calls 24/7.