Workshop looks at holiday grief

Surviving the Holidays will take place on Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Hospice of The Gorge Center, located at 1630 Woods Court in Hood River, from 10 a.m. to noon.

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

Stephen Lusk, a Hospice of The Gorge chaplain and workshop leader said, "Many people think it's odd that a person could feel more grief during the holidays than during other times of year. They think it's a joyous season, it should cheer people up, but that's not necessarily 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 said, "They hear music, participate in rituals and remember moments that remind them 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.

Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.

For more information or to register, phone 541-387-6449 or 541-296-3228.