HEALTAHR TCARE
Hope
for the
Holidays
By Rafael J. Sciullo
Rafael J. Sciullo
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016
| TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 137
November is here and reminders
of the holidays are everywhere.
For most people it is a time of
joy and anticipation. For those
who are bereaved, however, it is a time
where sounds, sights and smells trigger
memories of holidays past. There might be
feelings of dread and anxiety because of
the unknown and unrealistic expectations
that the holidays can bring.
Empath Health offers hope and help to
get through this season at our “Hope for
the Holidays” workshops facilitated by
licensed counselors and social workers
at Empath Health community service
centers. Everyone in the community is
invited to attend free of charge.
We help those who are grieving
understand that the holidays can be
challenging, but also an opportune time
to honor the past – or even start anew.
It is a difficult time, but it can also be a
beautiful time to continue old traditions
or create new experiences with family
and friends.
Finding meaningful ways to honor a
deceased loved one can be the first step
to embracing the holidays. Consider
donating to a favorite charity in their
honor, or making a book of memorabilia
or photos about them and sharing with
the family. Sharing favorite stories can
give others permission to talk about the
deceased.
It can help to decide early which
traditions to continue this year as well
as ones to put aside or change-up. This
reach out for support at holiday time. If
possible, talk with neighbors and friends
to have a support system and keep
that encouragement going. With our
workshops, we help people find their
way through this season of grief and
hold their hands on these journeys.
Often the anticipation of the holidays
is far worse than the actual holiday.
Someone grieving may need to think
a little differently and plan creatively.
If you’ve lost a loved one and you find
that you are enjoying yourself, do not
feel guilty. Joy does not mean you have
forgotten your loved one. You are just
living in the present and investing in
your future.
Our bereavement counselors are here
to help. Check out our online calendar for
the “Hope for the Holidays” workshops
in November and December. You’re also
invited to join our special “Starting a
New Year Without Your Loved One”
workshop on December 30th.
For more information about Empath
Health, workshops or any of our programs,
visit us at EmpathHealth.org or call
(727) 467-7423. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: Rafael J. Sciullo is
president and CEO of Empath Health, a
nonprofit integrated network of care for
those affected by chronic or advanced illness.
For more information about services, call
(727) 467-7423 or visit EmpathHealth.org.
can include meals, worship services and
scale of entertaining or choosing not to
entertain at all. Share with family and
friends to help ease expectations. No one
has to do the same routines.
Typical holiday activities can be
upsetting for a grieving person. Consider
how you can make them less stressful.
Begin shopping earlier, shop online or
combine shopping with a fun activity
such as a movie or a meal. Pare down
decorations or ask friends or family to
help out.
Some people don’t know what to do.
They become anxious and overwhelmed.
Self-care during the holidays can help. Set
aside time for yourself for relaxation and
reflection, maintain a regular schedule,
spend time with friends, or help others
by volunteering.
We encourage bereaved individuals to
/EmpathHealth.org
/EmpathHealth.org