Holidays Are Difficult For Grieving Children And Families

November 21, 2006   

The holiday season is an especially difficult time for those grieving the death of a loved one. At a time when many people celebrate with family and friends, others are experiencing feelings of sadness and loneliness. The Highmark Caring Place, A Center for Grieving Children, Adolescents and Their Families, offers peer support groups and referral services for those who are dealing with the death of a family member.

"When a loved one dies, every day is difficult. The holidays, and the anticipation of the holidays, can intensify feelings of grief," said Terese Vorsheck, Director. "After a family member dies, holidays are never the same. Whether it's the first holiday without them or many holidays after a death, it is always different than before. Someone or something is always missing."

At the Highmark Caring Place, children and adults receive encouragement and support from other children and adults who have also experienced a death, and discover that they are not alone in their grief.

"Children grieve differently than adults, and their need to grieve in their own way is sometimes overlooked," said Vorsheck. "Children don't just 'get over' grief. They need time to learn to cope with their loss and the many other changes that often occur."

There are three Caring Place locations in Pennsylvania -- in Pittsburgh, Erie and Lemoyne (Cumberland County). Programs and services are offered at no cost and supported in large part by community contributions. Highmark is committed to the needs of grieving children and their families, and matches all community contributions dollar for dollar. The children and families are also supported by trained volunteers from the community.

For more information about the Caring Place, call toll-free in Pittsburgh (1-888-224-4673), Erie (1-866-212-4673), or Lemoyne (1-866-613-4673), or visit http://www.highmarkcaringplace.com. You can find print materials about coping with grief during the holidays, available at no charge, on this Web site.

To help cope during the holiday season, the Highmark Caring Place offers the following tips:

Realize that the anticipation of the holidays is often as difficult as or even more difficult than the holidays themselves.

Know your limits and give yourself permission to take whatever time for yourself you need.

Seek out supportive people who accept your feelings and allow you to express them.

Don't get caught in unreasonable expectations.

Plan ahead with your children and families. Decide which traditions you will keep and which you may change.

Embrace your memories, and share stories that make you laugh and cry.

Talk about your grief and about the person who has died.

Remember that everyone grieves differently, even within the same family.

Allow children and adolescents space to grieve in their own way.

Seek comfort in your faith.

Remember that your grief is important and unique.

 

About the Highmark Caring Place

The Highmark Caring Place, A Center for Grieving Children, Adolescents, and Their Families, provides peer support groups, referral services, adult telephone support, and educational programs and resources for grieving children and families. In addition, consultation services, as well as educational presentations and resources are available for schools and other professionals in the community who work with children. The Highmark Caring Place is a community resource, offering services at no charge to any grieving family in the community.

The Highmark Caring Place operates three facilities, located in Pittsburgh, Erie and Central Pennsylvania. Since the opening of the Caring Place in 1997, the program has served more than 10,000 family members and community partners.

Highmark Caring Place
http://www.highmark.com

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