How to Cope with the Holidays

WASHINGTON—The holiday season is almost upon us. This year, especially, is a time to reassess what is important to us—our families, our friends, and our values. Many people have been directly affected by September 11^th, either by losing a loved one to the tragedies or through Operation Enduring Freedom. Others, not grieving a loss of life, are grieving the loss of invulnerability—the illusion that tragedy can happen only to other people and nations. Anxiety and fear grip our nation as we deal with new terrorist threats such as anthrax.

Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) says this holiday season we need to take care of ourselves and be aware of the anxieties we are feeling. "Don’t be afraid to reach out to social workers, clergy, or support groups to help get through what may be a difficult period."

According to Mila Ruiz Tecala, DCSW, of the Center for Loss and Grief in Washington, DC, "This is a time to go back to the true meaning of the holidays—to be thankful for what we have, be appreciative of our families, friends, and neighbors. It’s a time to help the poor, the needy, and the sick. This year, is especially important to take time to comfort the grieving."

Tecala adds that it is important to continue traditions as we celebrate the upcoming holidays. "Traditions," she says, "are the fabric of our society."

A professor of social work at the Indiana University School of Social Work and author of an upcoming book from the NASW Press, Resiliency: An Integrated Approach to Practice, Policy, and Research, Roberta Greene, ACSW, says it’s important that people don’t isolate themselves this holiday season. Reaching out to others in the community and sharing their stories are important pieces to the grieving process. Talking to others in similar situations can be helpful. She also says that it’s common to feel sadness and anxiety, it takes a while to bounce back after loss.

Tecala makes the following suggestions for getting through the holidays:

• Realize that this is a new holiday, unlike those of the past.
• Acknowledge the absence of any loved ones you have lost.
• Don’t be afraid to cry—or to smile or even laugh.
• Do things because you want to do them. Do what you are comfortable doing.
• Initiate activity yourself, do not wait for others. Call friends and relatives. Follow through with plans.
• Remember that ONE is a whole number. You need not be part of a couple to enjoy yourself. Time spent by yourself can be rewarding.
• Be gentle with yourself. All wounds take time to heal. Realize that you will feel sad at times.
• Take time to identify and take care of your needs. Get adequate rest and exercise. Stay away from sugar, caffeine and alcohol that are always plentiful during the holiday season.
• Look at the holidays as the beginning of a new journey—the start of a new life. Enjoy the gifts of the season found in special memories. Reconnect with friends and family.

To find a social worker in your community, search the NASW clinical register.

Journalists: Please contact NASW Public Affairs at 202-336-8228 to request interviews with experts.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with 153,000 members. It promotes, develops and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well being of individuals, families and communities through its work and through its advocacy.