The holidays can be overwhelming in general, but for those that are grieving or coping with loss can make the holidays very difficult. Suicide Prevention Specialist, Amanda McIntosh took time to speak with Castle Country Radio about how there are healthy ways to cope with your grief and learn to heal.

“There is coping mechanisms that we can put in place to safe guard our mental health throughout the winter season. Fortunately, the winter season kicks off with a bunch of family-oriented holidays, which can be hard for our families that are experiencing a recent loss or loss sometime this year. Also, our elderly generation or old elderly community members, who’s kids might not be able to come visit, so they’re spending the holiday alone and things like that,” said McIntosh. A loss is a loss whether that’s a loved one, a pet, a neighbor, a job and the holidays can intensify those feelings of loss.

With the holidays here there may be some traditions that you have that may help ease the pain of loss or it could be a trigger for more pain. “I think that honoring our loved ones but holding the traditions that they loved, still participating in those if it’s safe for you to do so and it’s bringing you joy, right? That’s the whole point of traditions is bringing joy to the holiday or to the celebration. If the tradition you’ve always done doesn’t bring you joy, creating a new tradition is always an option for you and that can look like different ways. Its finding what is going to honor your loved one, honor the memories and the traditions, and the past that you had with that loved one and moving forward with something all of your own,” stated McIntosh.  Communicating your wishes in whether to continue traditions or modify them is key for family members and friends to better understand what you are going through.

There are little things that you can do individually or with family to help ease the grief you may be feeling during the holidays. The number one thing that you need to remember is taking care of yourself. “The thing that I like to remind people is your loss is individualized to you. The way you experience whatever loss that is, is unique to you and it is okay, as long as you’re not causing harm to yourself or to others, how you choose to grieve that said loss, is 100 percent okay. It is okay, to not be okay,” said McIntosh. Accepting your emotions is key to working through grief. Be kind to yourself during this process.

If you would like more information on healthy ways to cope or would like to get in touch with local resources in the area you can contact Amanda McIntosh at (435) 637-3671 or you can also reach out to the HOPE Squad of Carbon, Emery and Grand Counties Facebook page.