Grief and Loss Counseling in Oak Park, IL: Finding Support Ahead of the Holidays
Grief can make holidays difficult. As others celebrate and cook family meals, you may wish someone you love was still here.
Recalling old memories may remind you of things that make it challenging.
You may be pressured to go to events or try to look cheerful when you aren’t. Everyday events around Oak Park can bring up the idea of someone missing.
Grief doesn’t have a clock on it, and there is no cut-off time for feeling better.
Grief and loss counseling can help you cope with the upcoming holiday season with support and compassion, when it seems like it’s too much.
Why Can Grief Feel Harder During the Holidays?
Traditions, relationships, and memories are important components of holidays.
These experiences may make a person feel like there is a void after losing someone.
You may find yourself with no one to sit at the Thanksgiving table, or you may experience grief when you decorate for Christmas.
Music, a recipe, or a favorite song can evoke strong feelings in an instant.
According to the National Institutes of Health’s guide to grief during the holidays, special occasions can cause sadness, fear, and anxiety.
Organizing in advance and having meaningful contact might be helpful.
The seasons or community events in Oak Park can evoke mixed emotions. You may want to travel to Scoville Park, or do some shopping along Lake Street; just wish you had someone you lost with you.
You don’t have to skip all of your holiday customs. The season can still be made easier, though, if you plan accordingly.
Understanding Grief and Its Impact on Daily Life
Grief is a common reaction to the loss of an important person or thing. It may include feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, loneliness, and confusion.
There are individuals who have several feelings in just one day. Other effects of grief can be on sleep, appetite, concentration, and level of energy.
Daily activities can be challenging, and you may feel like you are not part of the community.
A 2024 study published in the JAMA Network Open looked at 2,034 U.S. adults—of which 1,529 identified as having experienced the loss of a loved one. Researchers found that 20% of bereaved respondents met screening criteria for probable prolonged grief disorder.
This was just an estimate for the study and not a prevalence at the national level. The results of a screening also do not constitute a diagnosis.
For the majority of people, support is a benefit without needing to be diagnosed.
Talking to a professional, however, may help if the grief is very strong and interferes with your life.
Grief and Loss Counseling May Help In The Process Of Grief
Grief counseling is a supportive environment where you can grieve without being rushed.
A therapist can guide you through the feelings and figure out methods to deal with challenging moments.
Process Difficult Emotions
You might experience sadness, anger, regrets, or feelings of guilt for not saying what you want to say.
Counselling is a process for exploring your feelings without judging yourself, including feelings which some people may find difficult to comprehend.
Prepare for Difficult Holiday Moments
Times of family gatherings, anniversaries, or familiar traditions may be particularly difficult following a loss.
A grief counselor will be able to guide you in your choice of events to attend, how to manage these conversations and when to step away.
Rebuild Routines at Your Own Pace
After a major loss, everyday life can seem strange.
Counselling can support you to put in place more sustainable routines and leave space for grief.
It’s not about losing the person that you lost: it’s about living with them in mind.
Practical Ways to Cope With Grief during the Holidays
You don’t need to recreate old celebrations or try to be like everyone else.
Think about implementing these strategies as the holidays approach.
- Set goals that are attainable; go to events that are comfortable for you, and don’t be afraid to leave early.
- Do something new. Light a candle, cook a favorite meal, or share a meaningful memory for a loved one.
- Be connected. Talk to someone who will listen without judging how you feel. A grief support group can also be helpful.
- Allow emotions to be part of the celebration.
- Make plans for challenging dates. Plan for help or make time for yourself if a holiday falls on an anniversary.
If these steps are not sufficient, professional counseling will be helpful.
Finding Grief Counseling in Oak Park, IL
It can be challenging to find support when you’re already emotionally drained. Search for a licensed therapist who has experience in bereavement and grief-related issues.
Inquire with any potential company about their experience, insurance coverage, out there and fees.
If traveling or vacation plans make it difficult to attend sessions in person, tele-health can be a great option, too.
Forrest Behavioral Health is an Illinois Mental Health Treatment Center. If grief is impacting not only your emotional health, but other mental health issues as well, check out Forrest Behavioral Health and find out what services are offered and if any of them would be a good fit.
Also Read: Panic Attacks vs. Anxiety Disorder: Finding the Right Treatment in Evanston, IL
You Do Not Have to Face the Holidays Alone
The holidays can be strange during times of grief, particularly when you are having some of your favorite traditions.
There’s no need to pretend to be happy or to do the same things you used to do.
You can acknowledge your loss and create positive moments with the support of a professional counselor and/or your personal support network.
If grief is causing difficulties in life, talk to a mental health service provider who is trained in the area of grief.
You should be supported based on your experience and at your own pace.
