Grief, as complex as it is, intensifies during festive periods like Christmas and the New Year. The void left by a deceased loved one can make these times incredibly difficult, whether the loss occurred recently or many years ago. Coping with this grief, especially for immediate family members such as a spouse, sibling, or parent, can be an overwhelming experience.
The grief journey is unique to each individual, shaped by personal factors, lifestyle, beliefs, and the nature of the loss. Healing is a gradual process, varying in length from weeks to years. It's important to be patient with yourself, embracing the memories spent with the departed, and allowing your healing to progress naturally.
The experience of grief can, however, become complex, especially if it persistently impedes daily functioning. In such cases, seeking support from a grief specialist or a mental health professional can be beneficial.
Below, we provide a few strategies to help navigate your grief as you face the New Year:
-
Acknowledge your feelings: Grief can trigger a myriad of emotions including sadness, anger, disappointment, and exhaustion. Recognise and accept these feelings.
-
Open up: Speak to friends and family about your deceased loved one. Sharing memorial stories can help you understand and honour your loss, accelerating the grieving process.
-
Self-Care: Regular exercise, good nutrition, and rest are essential.
-
Celebrate Life: Framing photos, naming a new baby, or planting flowers in their name are among ways to celebrate your unique relationship with the departed.
-
Professional Help: If your emotions seem overwhelming, consider speaking to a mental health professional.
Remember, there's no right or wrong way to grieve. You're not alone, and your loved one would want you to celebrate your life achievements and be happy.
The New Year, while offering new challenges, can be an especially hard time when mourning a loved one. Creating an online remembrance page or a QR memorial plaque is a healthy coping mechanism.
A QR memorial plaque allows you to share your loved one's memorial stories, offering a sense of connection and a way to cope with the loss. This can serve as a continuous tribute, reminding us that "We shall never forget you."
Our platform, Memorial Stories, enables you to create an enduring memorial. By choosing a picture, writing a story, and sharing your emotions, you can create a space to cherish their memory forever.
Using QR memorial plaques and online remembrance pages can provide comfort, knowing that a memorial space exists to honour someone significant. This comforting presence can provide solace as you embrace the New Year.
Remember, the process of grieving is a journey, one that can be made more bearable with the right tools and support.