How to be Thankful When You're Hurting

The holidays are a difficult time of year for many people. Family traditions and celebrations tend to stir up memories and emotions that can make us introspective. Thanksgiving Day is a tough one for our family. As many of you know, we lost a dear niece year before last. She was a naturally bubbly person who loved family gatherings, especially the holidays, so we sense a profound loss each time we get together.

Although I don't suffer from depression, I know many Christians who do, especially at this time of year. Realizing that the next few weeks are going to be emotionally challenging, I decided to seek advice from others who are accustomed to battling the blues. Here are some excellent resources that I uncovered:

When Grief Comes Home for the Holidays
If someone you love is experiencing grief this holiday season, Nancy Schimelpfening, About.com Guide to Depression, has some great advice for offering support. If the grieving person happens to be you, Nancy's tips will help you help yourself. She reviews the grief process and suggests "what to do" and "what not to do." One of the best tips is to remember that each family member may be at a different stage of grief, so we should be sensitive to each individual's needs.

Surviving Grief During the Holiday Season
Angela Morrow, RN, About.com Guide to Palliative Care gives several strategies for coping with illness, grief, or the loss of a loved one during the holidays. An important suggestion Angela makes is to seek support from family, friends, your church community, a local hospice agency, or a support group. Having someone to talk to about your feelings is one of the best ways to get through the painful times.

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