GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — The holidays can be a challenging time for those experiencing grief. Often, a person is reminded of those who are not there during gatherings.
Gabby Oechsle, a therapist with Pine Rest, offered tips to those experiencing grief or spending time with people experiencing grief this holiday.
First, she suggests spending time with people who are life giving and enjoyable to be around. A support system can go a long way.
Have a way to honor the person who was lost, acknowledging their absence in a respectful way.
"Having outlets, having supports is just really crucial during this time," said Oechsle, "Having those people that you can go to is also really important, whether that is family or friends or community, they are involved in just knowing that you are not alone in your grief."
Spending time with someone experiencing grief, just being there, Oechsle says can mean a lot.
"I think sometimes people feel that they have to say the right thing." said Oechsle, "Just knowing that there isn't really a right thing to say, when someone's dealing with loss, just being present with them, being there for them. Not using quick, trite things I think is really important, because those comments can just be really painful, I think, unintentionally, but still painful."
She also suggested checking out grief groups or therapy to navigate this difficult time.
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