Grief and the holidays: These sessions can help

It's bad enough that the economy has battered our peace of mind about our investments, job security and housing values. But add to those losses the death of a spouse or other loved one, and the stress can be overwhelming.

"These layers of stress can seem even heavier at the holidays," says Karen Swiderski, manager of spiritual care services at Edward Hospital. "Any of us can feel out of sync with the 'good time' expectations of the season and burdened by extra things on our 'to do' list. This is even truer for people in mourning."

Area residents who are grieving the loss of a loved one are invited to attend a free session on grieving during the holidays. These meetings, which are special sessions of Edward's ongoing grief support group, "Journey to Wholeness," will be offered 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 23, and 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 21. Meetings take place in the Edward Education Center on the campus of Edward Hospital, 801 S. Washington St. in Naperville.

"Grief is much more complex than people realize," says Rich Gardner of Naperville, a member of the grief support group since 2008. "I lost my wife of 40 years in 2007 and learned that loneliness, depression, anxiety, confusion and other emotions can really affect how you function. The group has been very supportive and respectful, as well as welcoming to new members. Reading the materials also helped define for me what I've been going through."

Gardner says he's ready to focus on helping others who are in the early stages of grief, so he's taken on a leadership role in the group.

He offers the following advice to anyone who has suffered a major loss: First, be good to yourself. Grief drains your energy, so don't be hard on yourself if you don't feel like doing as much as you used to do. Secondly, be open-minded and willing to accept help.

"I'm glad I came across the Edward group," Gardner says. "If I have a problem, I want to face it and do something about it. With the group, I feel I'm in the process of doing just that."

During the group's confidential sessions, members share their experiences and discuss ways of coping with the holidays.

The discussion is facilitated by a chaplain specially trained in bereavement support. Participants are welcome to say as little or as much as they want. Written materials are also available.

Offered by Edward Hospital's Spiritual Care Services, the regular grief support group meets every Thursday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and every Wednesday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. These meetings are offered at no charge and take place in the Edward Education Center.

If you would like to attend any of these sessions, contact the Grief Hotline at 630-527-5056, leave your name and the session you plan to attend.

Submitted by Edward Hospital Health Matters