title: Preholiday grief. Facing it alone.
abstract: These strategies for coping with the holidays following a loss can be shared not only in a group format such as a preholiday workshop, but also on a one-to-one basis by caring health professionals. To be effective in promoting adaptation to loss, it is vital that health-care professionals heighten their awareness of the needs and reactions of the grieving person. Their sensitivity to the anxiety and pain that can accompany the holiday season must increase. Only when awareness and sensitivity increase will there be an increase in the development of effective bereavement outreach programs. Through such programs the bereaved can experience positive encounters with caring professionals who can help them establish a new sense of hope, purpose, and renewed self-esteem.
authors.affiliation: Loewenberg School of Nursing, Memphis State University, TN 38152.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Jacob
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D006117:Grief; D006693:Holidays; D006801:Humans; D012621:Seasons; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support