For many of us, the holidays are full of joy and love. However, holidays where grief and sadness dominate are also a reality for many, yet far less discussed. As the holiday season approaches, Maryellen wants to talk about grief. She hopes this episode sheds light on all the different faces of grief, and how, even during the most wonderful time of year, it’s okay not to be okay. This episode highlights:  

Holidays without a loved one 

How people grieve more than death  

Grieving differences in family dynamics, and the reality of our expectations   

How holidays are ripe with traditions and pressure to be in the holiday spirit, which can trigger people  

What to do with our grief  

That grief needs time  

How, if we ignore our feelings, they don’t go away, but instead come out in different ways   

That grief looks different for everyone   

How, often people grieving want to be alone, but the number one thing we need when grieving is other people   

Common symptoms of grief   

That it’s okay to distract yourself from grief, too 

How grief is so much more complicated than just the 5 stages commonly identified 

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