Hospice of the Gorge offers holiday coping strategies

The seminars are offered free of charge as a public service. All are welcome.

Steven Lusk, Ph.D., a Hospice of The Gorge chaplain and workshop leader says: "Many people think it's odd that a person could feel more grief during the holidays than during other times of year. They think somehow that because it's a joyous season, it should cheer people up. But that's just not so."

Lusk says that people often tend to grieve more during the holidays because these were the times in the past that meant so much to them when their loved ones were alive.

"Complicating things," he says, "They see music, lights and decorations all around them, reminding them even more of how much they miss the person they love."

Learning how to take care of yourself physically, spiritually and emotionally, as well as honoring and remembering loved ones, and building new traditions while remembering old ones, are a few of the strategies people will learn in the seminars.

Lusk adds that even just the process of planning for the holidays can be of tremendous help to people who are grieving.

"Most people enter the holiday season pushing their grief away and trying to survive. It's better for a person to be proactive, to anticipate the challenges, and to plan how they want to handle the holidays before they arrive."

Lusk will present information about holiday-specific coping skills, and use hand-outs and a video entitled, "Ray of Hope," to support his presentation. There will also be an opportunity for participants to discuss their feelings and ideas if they'd like.

Lusk reminds everyone that as a survivor of loss, you are not alone in your grief.

Hospice of The Gorge executive director Gretchen Hagen adds: "Hospice is not just about our patients. It's also about a patient's family and friends. The arms of hospice care surround them after a patient has died, to help them in their own journey through grief."

Seminars take place on Saturday, Nov. 15, at Gateway Presbyterian Church, 1111 Dry Hollow Road, The Dalles, from 9 to 11 a.m.; and at the Hospice of The Gorge Center, 1630 Woods Court, Hood River, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.

For more information call (866) 680-6449.