After writing my two-part story on SAD, it recently occurred to me that there are many Sun Citians truly sad during the holidays due to the loss of loved ones who have died at this time of year, in the past year, or in recent years. At a time when people are expected to be “jolly” at holiday parties, December becomes a most difficult period especially for those grieving.
“Feelings of sadness and depression are an integral part of grief, but grief is not considered a disorder,” according to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. “Depression, when associated with bereavement, is a normal reaction to loss if it does not extend to too long of a period of time. There is no way to define what is a normal period of grief, however, because it tends to differ from person to person and circumstance to circumstance.”
Knowing that extreme stress, which accompanies grief, can lead to many diseases such as heart, cancer, lowered immunity, and psychiatric disorders, what better gift to give our bereaved friends/relatives than the gift of comfort and love?
According to an article on eHow.com (12/03/12), some ways you can gift your grieving relatives/friends now and throughout their grieving process include: being familiar with stages of grief, keeping in touch with notes and cards, helping with errands or chores, and encouraging the griever to stay socially active.
“In supporting anyone who has lost a loved one, it is important to recognize if they may need some additional support,” Sun City Wellness nurse Cathy Segarra said.
If more support is needed, Sun City also has a licensed clinical professional counselor, Tracy Soos, available Thursday, Dec. 20 from 1 to 4 p.m.
“In January, Dr. Sikora, Psy.D., will be here [for counseling]. We do not have his exact hours, but he will be here weekly. Call [the Wellness Center at 847-515-2078] for an appointment. His office will be at the CPC Building in Huntley,” Segarra said.
Sun City’s Grief Support Group and Life Enrichment Group meets on Fridays at 10 a.m. in the community room of the PNC Bank located across Route 47 from Sun City. For more information, call Matt Meyer at 847-669-2345.
Please comfort and love those grieving. There is no better act of charity at this time of the year and always.
