The holiday season is upon us. For many, it is a festive time of year to celebrate cultures, traditions, or rituals as people gather together and to create memories for years to come. However, for others this time triggers grief, loss, feelings of sadness, despair, hopelessness, anxiety, and/or depression.

Grief doesn’t just have to be the loss of a loved one. It can also be losing something vital in someone’s life like loss of employment, infertility, illness/injury, trauma, divorce, empty nest, and more.

If you are experiencing grief and loss of any kind, know that your grief is valid and you are not alone. “It’s okay not to be okay.” While there is no tried and true formula for healing your pain (with the exception of time), a number of strategies can help you cope.

Consider attending the COA’s Grief and Loss Support Group on the 2nd Thursday of month from 1 – 3 p.m. in Cassopolis and help make your holiday season a bit brighter with the support of others.