Grief and Trauma

Tips for Grieving During the Holidays

The holidays can bring up a lot of feelings, especially when you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. Whether it’s the first holiday season without someone, the holidays mark a time where someone you love died, or it’s just hard to be around celebration when you’re not feeling celebratory, December can feel heavy.

These are a few tips for grieving during the holidays.

Tenille Campbell- “We Matter Campaign”

Tenille discusses her loss and how writing helps with her hurt.

Caitlin – “My Story”

Caitlin shares about the loss of her sister and how she copes with missing her. Caitlin continues to grieve the death of her sister in a car accident

Brenda and Dale – “Being self aware”

Brenda and Dale talk about self care. They continue to grieve the death of their son by suicide.

Krista – “Range of emotions”

Krista talks about the journey towards acceptance.

Donna B – “Tools for a year of firsts”

Donna discusses how to look after yourself. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Other Special Days

When we are grieving, some days are more difficult than others. Grief comes in waves like the sea and can feel like an intertwining labyrinth of emotions. Birthdays, anniversaries, and special dates that are associated with our loved one who has died can contribute to more emotionally intense days which can be worsened through the anticipation and “what ifs” of the upcoming day. These difficult days can leave us feeling defeated and it can almost feel like we’ve taken two steps backward in our grieving process, but grief does not have a timeline, and these feelings of setbacks are opportunities for healing.

Christian – “Grief in the opioid crisis”

Christian talks about looking for answers in great sadness.

John Martin – Recognize What Your Loss Means For You Now And In The Future

John discusses what comes next after initial shock

Andrew – “Loss of a twin”

Andrew talks about the loss of his twin brother, time in the womb and that there are people out there that can help. Andrew continues to grieve the death of his twin brother by mishap.

Rosie Koostachin- “We Matter Campaign”

Rosie talks about her life, why you can’t give up hope and that life is important.

Bryan – Trauma

Bryan discusses trauma anxiety, support and the loss of his father to gun violence