Hope for Holiday Hurting

"Embrace your grief. For there, your soul will grow."   ~Carl Jung

The holidays aren’t always “the most wonderful time of the year” for everyone. As a matter of fact, this time of year can be a very difficult time for many. Especially if you are grieving from a loss, struggling financially, dealing with an illness, coping with depression, or feeling alone and isolated. 

The holidays can significantly increase sadness and grief, amplify emotional wounds and even escalate to serious depression. If you have experienced a loss (of any kind) recently, it can be an especially difficult time.

So how do you survive the holidays if you are hurting?

Grief and depression are natural when you are experiencing a loss in your life. For some, loss isn't just the death of a loved one, but can be the death of a dream, a relationship or even a job. Just know that grief and depression have many causes and take on many faces. You don't have to label it - if you are feeling it, you are feeling it. And my hope is that the following tips will help you cope:

• Acknowledge your emotions. -  Allow yourself to feel and honor your emotions. Don't ignore them. And don’t guilt yourself into thinking you “should” be happy. 
• Talk about it. - Talking through your feelings of whatever/whoever you are grieving can give you an outlet for your pain. 
• Eliminate unnecessary stress and know your limits. - Pushing yourself beyond your limits or adding extra stress will only increase your depression. Being tired or overwhelmed never serves anyone.
• Do what's right for you. - Say no to social gatherings or old traditions if you don't feel like doing them this year. It's okay. Honor your needs.   
• Ask for help and get support. - Whether this be from family and friends or a professional counselor or coach. You don't have to cope with your pain alone.
• Look for a way to shift the focus from your sadness to your hopes. - This can significantly improve your mood and open you to receive love and perhaps some peace in your life.

I want to encourage you to be gentle with yourself and with others this time of year. You never know what hardships someone may be experiencing. And if at any moment you feel like the dark cloud of depression and grief are too much for you this holiday season, please seek help. You do not have to suffer alone. 

Here's hoping that you will find peace, love, and hope in your life this holiday season and beyond into the new year!

Not sure where to turn for support but know you're ready to move on with your life in the new year? Set yourself up to flourish by clicking here to start the Heroic Basic Training now, and with it, get free premium access to the Heroic app for a full year! As well as a Heroic Strategy Session with me once you complete the training.