Grief can deepen over the holidays. Help is in place to provide coping skills and show kindness

As the new year approaches and the holiday season is in full swing, it's a time of joy and connection for many.

For some, it can also serve as a painful reminder of an empty seat at the table.

"If we are someone who has experienced a loss, these positive feelings may feel out of reach this time of year," said Jenna King-Poirier, the manager of bereavement services with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.

To help alleviate some of this pain, NLHS is offering virtual and in-person seminars on grief and coping skills, along with practical tips to manage the often-overwhelming demands of the holiday season.

The seminars are open to the public. Virtual sessions will be held on Wednesday evening and on Dec. 10. An in-person session is set for Thursday at 7 p.m. 

LISTEN | Jenna King-Poirier on what can people expect from the seminars:

CBC Newfoundland Morning6:23NL Health Services offers seminars to support people who grieve during the holiday season

The Christmas season can be a time of celebration and joy, but it can also be very hard for people who have lost loved ones. NL Health Services offers in-person and virtual seminars to support people who are grieving.Jenna King-Poirier is bereavement services manager with NL Health Services. 

King-Poirier says the facilitators are trained to support those navigating grief, offering guidance and validation of emotions that she describes as a normal, healthy, and human response to loss.

"We all grieve losses in our own way," she said. "We remind ourselves as well as others to try and be as gentle and kind as possible."

Often, she adds, people simply need someone to offer comfort and kindness to help them through the season.

Last week, NLHS held its first seminar, which drew 30 participants. King-Poirier expects even more will attend once they hear about the program. 

For those grieving, even simple tasks — like buying gifts, decorating or going to events — can feel overwhelming. King-Poirier encourages people to show others kindness and create a plan to manage the season.

"Whether it's doing something special in memory of your loved one or making plans to gather with friends while scheduling intermittent periods of rest, keep things as simple as possible," she said. 

"Share your plan with a loved one, allow it to be flexible, and be kind to yourself while grieving."

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