It is not only holidays that are difficult because there is an “empty chair,” but also anniversaries, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and so on. Here are some effective ways to manage these special days:

• Plan ahead. How will you spend the day? With whom?
• Talk about your deceased loved one. This will let others know that you want to hear his/her name and to talk about that person.
• Establish personal priorities. Decide what you want to do, how you wish to celebrate, and with whom you wish to spend time. Follow your instincts.
• Express your feelings. If the holidays make you more weepy, then cry. If you feel the need to talk about the loss, then find a good friend who will listen.
• Value your memories. You loved, and the price of losing a loved one is pain. Cherish the time you had together and value your precious memories, which can never be taken away from you.
• Reach out to others. Take the focus off yourself and your pain by volunteering to help others.
• Avoid isolating yourself in grief. Just because you are in pain, do not cut yourself off from others. Stay in touch. Keep communication open with family, friends and colleagues. Accept invitations for social events, even if you do not feel like it.
• Be patient with yourself. A loss to death inflicts a deep wound but the wound will heal.

Share on Facebook