This article is shared with permission from The Conversation, an online platform featuring the latest insights from academic experts.

The festive season, typically seen as a time for celebration and unity, can also present significant challenges for those mourning a loss.

An overwhelming majority of individuals who have suffered a loss, nearly 95%, experience at least one symptom of physical or emotional distress. About 10% may suffer from prolonged grief disorder, a deep and lasting form of grief that remains severe over time.

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Grief can arise from various losses, including the death of a loved one, the end of a friendship, a divorce, or even job termination.

The impact of grief extends beyond mental health, affecting physical health as well, and may increase the risk for conditions such as heart disease, immune system problems, and even premature death.

During holidays and special events, which typically involve family gatherings and the revival of traditions, the absence of a loved one can be particularly painful and can intensify feelings of isolation and distress.

As a clinical psychologist and professor of psychiatry and neurobehavioral sciences who works with cancer patients and their families, I witness the severe impact of grief on individuals. My personal experiences of grief, following the sudden death of my mother at 66 and the prolonged illness and subsequent death of my father at 84, along with my professional research, have motivated me to focus my career on understanding and alleviating grief.

Through both personal and professional lenses, I have sought effective methods to support those dealing with profound grief.

Understanding Grief and Its Extended Impact

Grieving is a natural reaction to loss that involves emotional, cognitive, physical, and social responses. Typical symptoms include sadness, social withdrawal, concentration difficulties, sleep disturbances, and physical issues like exhaustion or pain.

While everyone’s grief journey is unique, most people gradually find a way to adjust and reach a new balance in life.

However, prolonged grief disorder, recognized in 2022 by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, involves persistent and profound sorrow or fixation on the deceased, lasting over a year and significantly disrupting daily life. Sufferers may feel detached from life and struggle to experience joy or purpose.

Unlike typical grief, prolonged grief disorder involves long-term activation of the brain’s stress response systems, especially in the amygdala, which is critical in managing emotions and stress. This disorder is often associated with other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Supporting a friend or family member through their grief journey is crucial, especially in spotting signs of prolonged grief disorder, which necessitates specific interventions. My research on innovative treatments like psilocybin-assisted therapy underscores the importance of new approaches for those trapped in prolonged grief cycles.

If you believe someone you care about is battling prolonged grief, encourage them to seek professional help and offer your support throughout the process. Many resources, from grief counseling to support groups, are available through organizations like the American Grief Foundation and local mental health services.

Managing Personal Grief During Holidays and Special Events

There are several research-supported strategies for handling grief, whether typical or prolonged:

• Express feelings: Holding back grief can worsen mental and physical health. Discussions with trusted friends, journaling, and joining support groups can offer relief.

• Participate in rituals: Engaging in personal or cultural rituals, such as lighting a candle, visiting a grave, or compiling a memory book can help integrate the loss into one’s life.

• Create new traditions to honor the memory of the deceased: Incorporating their favorite activities, like cooking a beloved dish or playing their preferred music, can keep their memory alive during special times.

• Seek professional help: Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy or complicated grief therapy can be effective for prolonged grief. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is also showing promise in clinical trials.

Helping Others Through Their Grief

For those mourning, holidays and significant occasions can be particularly challenging. Here are some practical ways to support someone who is grieving during these times:

• Understand that grief is a process to be supported, not a problem to be fixed.

• Be there for them. Rather than worrying about saying the wrong thing, focus on being present and listening without judgement.

• Recognize their loss. Simple expressions of remembrance and concern can provide comfort and show that you are mindful of their pain.

• Offer concrete assistance. Helping with daily tasks can alleviate some of the burdens of grief.

• If you’re unsure what to say, it’s okay to express that. Saying “I’m here for you, even though I’m not sure what to say” can be very meaningful.

• Avoid clichés like “They’re in a better place” or “Everything happens for a reason.” These can seem insensitive.

• Emphasize empathy and validation. Asking them to share more about their feelings can facilitate a deeper connection and allow them to process their grief.

• Respect their need to grieve at their own pace, allowing them the space to experience their emotions fully.

Being there for someone during the holidays and special occasions can be complex, but your presence and compassion can significantly aid their healing process.

Originally published on The Conversation. Visit the website to read the original article.