Piedmont Macon offers tips for grief during the holiday season, invites community to support groups
For those dealing with grief, Trawick recommends making a simple plan for the holidays.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Piedmont Macon is reminding the community about grief support groups that are available during the holiday season and ahead of the new year.
Grief Counselor, Franchetta Trawick, says that times are difficult when you’ve lost someone, but the holidays enhance those feelings.
“In order to move forward in the grief process, you have to be able to accept the pain,” says Trawick. “It’s okay to not have the holiday cheer. It’s okay to articulate to other people that ‘you know I’m feeling sad, this is not one of those holidays where I’m feeling joyful’ and it’s okay to say that.
Trawick says people want to make others feel happy during the holiday season, but it’s okay to not feel happy.
For those dealing with grief, Trawick recommends making a simple plan for the holidays.
“Make sure that if you are invited to an event, you tell the host ‘this is a tentative yes, I may not be able to attend’,” says Trawick.
Trawick also recommends to not duplicate past holidays and traditions. She recommends starting a new tradition and avoid things that evoke negative emotion.
Trawick says that if you encounter someone who is dealing with grief, listen and create a safe space. If you are in need of additional support, Trawick encourages people to seek help.
The Helping Hands Grief Support Group, based at Piedmont Macon, meets every Monday at 2:30 p.m. in the Cancer Center (Building C) at 350 Hospital Drive.
In addition to the weekly meetings, the group will also meet on the following dates:
- Thursday, December 19 at 6 p.m.
- Thursday, January 24 at 6 p.m.
- Thursday, February 27 at 6 p.m.
- Thursday, March 27 at 6 p.m.
- Thursday, April 24 at 6 p.m.
For more information, call Franchetta Trawick at 478-719-5032.
