LCCC Residents' Magazine : Winter 2024
Mind your mental health over the festive period
Mind your mental health over the festive period
People say the most difficult times of the year for missing a loved one are the special occasions, especially at Christmas. Many people speak about the empty chair and setting a place for a loved one that has died. From getting up to open presents, to preparing the festive meal through to family arriving, the list can go on and on for what triggers memories. We know special events throughout the year are sensitive and we recognise the difficulties in everyday life. Sometimes it’s the normal events that hit the hardest.
Your home can be the nosiest, active home on the street but if you and your family are grieving, to your family, the biggest noise will be filled by the silence of the memory of the person that is no longer with you.
At Emerge Counselling Services we encourage you to:
- embrace the silence as a family and fill it with memories of your loved one. This may be a kindness they offered, a mischievous act or phrases that you reminisce over fondly;
- share individual memories with family in group settings;
- show timely kindness, help, empathy and support where you can;
- take time to grieve for yourself, without becoming isolated and or lonely;
- light a candle or develop, as a family, an annual remembrance event to address your loss together; and
- keep personal belongings of your loved one around the home to be inclusive as a family in the grieving process.
If emotions become overwhelming, if you find yourself struggling with your own mental wellbeing, or if you're worried about a loved one you can call Emerge Counselling Services on 028 9244 5060 for confidential, safe and experienced help. Or you can call lifeline on 0808 808 8000.