MARKING HOLIDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

• Don't be surprised at the intensity of your grief. Feelings of anger, panic, depression, despair, guilt or regrets, fearfulness, loneliness, as well as physical symptoms feel stronger during this time. This is normal. It is not a setback; it is how grief is.
• Help yourself by gaining an understanding of the grieving process. Read a book on grief, attend a lecture or attend a support group.
• Remember what has helped you earlier in your grieving - these techniques will help you again.
• Tell important people in your life that this is a difficult season and let them know what they can do to help. Don't expect people to remember or to know what to do.
• Don't be surprised if others struggle, too, or if you see others hesitate to speak of the person who died. They are probably afraid they will make you feel sad, and are unsure whether you want to talk about it.

Originally published by American Hospice Foundation © 2002 and reprinted with permission from the American Hospice Foundation.  All Rights Reserved.
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www.americanhospice.org

For more information or to discuss life transition concerns please contact Partners Employee Assistance Program at 1-866-724-4EAP.

In case of emergency, please call 911 or your local hospital emergency service.