HEALTAHR TCARE
SPECIAL DAYS,
HOLIDAYS AND HOPE
By Rafael J. Sciullo
Rafael J. Sciullo
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 137
As the end of the year approaches,
reminders of the holidays are
everywhere. For most people
it is a time of delight and
anticipation. For those who are grieving,
however, it is a time when sounds, sights
and smells trigger memories of holidays
past. Maybe there are feelings of fear 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 “Surviving
Special Days and Holidays” workshops in
November and December, facilitated by
licensed counselors and social workers at
Empath Health community service centers.
Everyone in the community is invited to
attend free of charge.
While special days and holidays can
be challenging, we help those who are
grieving understand they can also be
opportune times to honor the past – or
even start anew. It is a difficult time but
can also be a beautiful time to continue old
traditions or create new experiences with
family and friends. These new experiences
can help create feelings of hope for the
future.
Exploring meaningful ways to honor
deceased loved ones can be the first step to
embracing the holidays and other special
days that may be difficult. Consider
donating to a favorite charity in their
honor, making a book of memorabilia
or photos about them to share with the
family or sharing favorite stories that can
give others permission to talk about the
deceased.
We encourage bereaved individuals
to reach out for support at holiday time
or when facing other special days. 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 to healing.
Sometimes the anticipation of the
holidays or special days is far worse than
the actual events. 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
“Surviving Special Days and Holidays”
workshops in November and December.
This year we’re having a special workshop
just for youth in kindergarten through 12th
grade. This workshop requires registration,
however, the adult workshops do not.
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.
It’s often helpful to decide ahead of time
which traditions to continue this year as
well as ones to put aside or change up.
This can include meals, worship services,
entertaining or choosing not to entertain
at all. Share your thoughts and feelings
with family and friends to help ease
expectations. There are no rules stating
you have to do the same routines. Do what
feels best to you.
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.