December Blues

For some of us at this time of year, grief can leave us feeling like we’re stuck “in the bleak midwinter” and we’d rather pull the covers over our heads than start “rockin’ around the Christmas tree”.

Holidays have a way of spotlighting our grief.  This is a time of nostalgia and we can get stuck in memories of the way things used to be, leading us to separate at least mentally, from joining in the celebrations around us.

If you are experiencing some of these emotions, here is a link to an article about coping with loss during the holidays.

Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. Often, the pain of loss can feel overwhelming. You may experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and profound sadness. The pain of grief can also disrupt your physical health, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or even think straight. These are normal reactions to loss—and the more significant the loss, the more intense your grief will be.

We often think of grief as a strictly emotional process, but grief often involves physical problems, including:

·        Fatigue

·        Nausea

·        Lowered immunity

·        Weight loss or weight gain

·        Aches and pains

·        Insomnia

Since the experience of grieving following the loss of someone or something important to you tends to be unique to you, it’s difficult to label any type of grief as either “normal” or “abnormal”.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or feel overwhelmed there are articles to help navigate the emotions. Here is a link to an article that offers information and tips for dealing with grief.