Grieving During the Holiday Season: Ways to Honor Your Loss and Support Loved Ones in Mourning

Thrive • December 9, 2021

By Thrive Waco Therapist Sarah Neelley, MA, LPC-Associate, 200 RYT and Thrive Reno Perinatal Program Clinical Lead and Therapist Amanda Boe, LMFT

UNDERSTANDING LOSS AND GRIEF

As a natural human response to loss, grief provides ways (although uncomfortable at times) for individuals to continue loving a person they have lost. Most commonly associated with anguish following the death of a loved one, grief can also be a response to any significant loss, including the loss of a pregnancy or infant , pet, job or income, relationship, and even community. The grieving process typically prompts affected individuals to explore coping strategies as well as attempt to discover meaning in their loss.

Perinatal Loss and Grief

As a mental and behavioral health clinic that treats perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), Thrive Wellness is especially attuned to the struggles that parents face following a perinatal loss, which can include pregnancy and infant losses. A perinatal loss can feel more isolating than other losses in many ways. Parents may feel like they are the only ones who knew their baby and possibly even the only ones who are grieving their baby’s loss. A perinatal grief and loss support group such as the one Thrive Reno offers can help lessen some of this isolation by surrounding parents with understanding individuals who will support their grieving journey.

DIFFERENT EXPRESSIONS OF GRIEF

Just as every person is unique, the ways in which people grieve are also different. Some individuals express their grief outwardly by crying or talking about their loss, while others may grieve internally by withdrawing or holding their emotions inside.

Grief can affect people in many ways, including:

Emotionally: Individuals may experience a wide range of emotions including despair, sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, and shock.
Physically: Grief may disrupt an individual’s digestive system, sleep patterns, and immune function to name a few physical effects.
Cognitively: As their mind attempts to understand the loss, a grieving person may find it difficult to concentrate, make decisions, and remember things.
Socially: Grief may cause individuals to withdraw from their relationships. Additionally, the stress of a loss may also cause conflict to erupt within relationships.
Culturally : An individual’s culture provides them with the framework for how to grieve, which may not align with a person’s preferred way of grieving and create conflict or tension on top of their suffering.
Spiritually: Individuals affected by grief may question their spiritual beliefs. In turn, they may also strengthen their faith.
Philosophically: Grief may cause a person to question their sense of meaning and identity.

Although no one grieves the same way, there are five common stages of grief theorized by psychiatrist Elizabeth Kubler Ross and recognized by the greater mental health community.

The five stages of grief are:

Denial: Characterized by feelings of numbness, shock, and confusion. The denial stage can serve as a defense mechanism that slows the onset of intense emotions often associated with grief.
Anger: May involve thoughts that life isn’t fair and can include blaming others for the loss. Anger can be necessary to reattach grief-stricken individuals to the reality of their loss.
Bargaining: Distinguished by desperate negotiation, typically to a higher power, with the hope of avoiding the pain of loss such as, “If you let him live, I will be a better person.” This stage is also characterized by endless “What if?” questions generally fueled by a person’s guilt and desire to go back in time to stop the loss from happening.
Depression: Arguably the most recognizable element of grief, this stage often involves feeling hopeless and withdrawing from life.
Acceptance: Identified as learning to embrace life despite grief.

The stages listed above may seem straightforward, but the way each individual experiences them is unique and may be erratic. There is no set amount of time that an individual spends in any stage of grief. Additionally, individuals don’t necessarily progress through the five stages of grief in order. They may jump between stages, skip ahead to stages, revert to previously experienced stages, and so forth. Individuals can also experience more than one stage of grief at a time.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON ON LOSS AND GRIEF

Amid holiday festivities filled with others who are celebrating, grieving individuals may feel obligated to participate, but unable to “get in the holiday spirit” and feel joyful in their current state. To those who are mourning, holiday events and family gatherings can emphasize the absence of lost loved ones. Certain elements of holiday traditions such as sharing stories, preparing recipes, and eating around family tables may serve as painful reminders of lost loved ones.

Additionally, the holiday season’s iconic sights, smells, tastes, and sounds may invoke a deep sense of nostalgia to sensory-rich experiences and memories. When individuals are grieving a loss, connecting to such meaningful moments can cause them to feel raw, vulnerable, and overwhelmed by their pain. These occasions may also serve as opportunities to lean into holiday-season connectedness, which can be both a difficult and beautiful experience filled with mixed emotions.

HOW TO COPE WITH GRIEF THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

There are coping strategies that can help make the holidays more bearable for grieving individuals. Below are some suggestions for individuals experiencing grief this holiday season.

Address your physical needs. Physical and mental health are intertwined. Make sure you’re nourishing your body adequately and consistently with food and water. Also consider incorporating mindful movement into your day, such as by walking outside or practicing yoga.
Get plenty of rest. When you’re lacking sleep , your emotion regulation can be hampered. Allow your body the rest it needs to heal from the distress of your loss so you can process your emotions in healthy ways.
Talk about your grief with those you trust. Sharing stories about lost loved ones can help you honor their memory. Additionally, by addressing your grief in conversation, it can be transformed from something you might perceive as shameful or scary into a tool that helps you heal.
Try journaling or writing a letter about your grief. Writing about your experience can provide a cathartic way to reflect upon your grief, process your emotions, and even gain a new outlook.
Attend therapy. A therapist will compassionately guide your grieving process while offering an unbiased perspective about your loss as well as clinical insight.
Begin new traditions that pay tribute to lost loved ones. You might consider lighting a candle, planting a seedling, telling stories about your loved one, playing their favorite music, or eating their favorite meal to honor and cherish their memory.

HOW TO SUPPORT GRIEVING LOVED ONES

Family and friends can foster healing for their grieving loved ones. Because everyone grieves differently, it’s important to be mindful of how your loved one is mourning while also respecting their grieving process. When others help carry grief, the load can feel less heavy. Try these tips to show your support:

Check in with your loved one by asking them how they are and what support they might need.
Offer to spend time with your loved one, especially if they may be feeling lonely and lost.
Offer to bring your loved one a meal or take on a chore to lighten their load.
Invite your loved one to your gatherings, especially if they don’t have other plans. If they choose to attend, check in on them from time to time to see how they are doing.
Actively listen to your loved one, which shows them you love and care about them. Let them know you hear them and refrain from offering advice without being asked.

LOSS AND GRIEF COUNSELING

Grief counseling offers individuals an opportunity to openly share their experiences while also discovering a sense of meaning amid their loss. Therapists remain present with their clients in their grief, no matter what their grieving process looks like. During sessions, a person can talk about the impact that their loss has had on their life and share their personal background without having to worry about judgment or unsolicited advice. Through therapy, clients can process their loss in a more in-depth way with compassionate guidance.

If you’re considering grief counseling, you can reach out to Thrive Wellness to learn more about our therapeutic services.

About the Authors

Thrive Waco Therapist Sarah Neelley, MA, LPC-Associate, 200 RYT

Sarah is passionate about providing holistic care to survivors of interpersonal trauma, as well as individuals struggling with eating and body image concerns.

A registered yoga instructor, she enjoys integrating her counselor education and yoga training to holistically approach mental health treatment. She is skilled at facilitating trauma-informed yoga therapeutic groups for survivors of interpersonal trauma.

As a counseling intern at Baylor University’s Counseling Center, Sarah has provided mental health support to clients facing crisis situations, trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, substance use, and anger concerns.

Sarah holds a Master of Arts degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Baylor University.

In her free time, Sarah loves reading, spending time with friends and family, taking long walks outdoors, enjoying a good cup of coffee, and doing puzzles. She recently developed an interest in keeping plants alive. Wish her (and her plants) all the luck!

Supervised by Erin McGinty Fort, LPC-Supervisor (76628) | Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors

Thrive Reno PMAD Program Clinical Lead and Therapist Amanda Boe, LMFT

Amanda Boe earned her master’s degree in counseling from the University of Nevada, Reno. She has over nine years of experience working with children, individuals, and families who have experienced trauma. Her experience also includes working with clients who struggle with perinatal mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. Amanda is passionate about healing relationships among families and unresolved trauma using evidence-based practices. She is certified in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP). Amanda offers individual, couples, and family therapy.

The post Grieving During the Holiday Season: Ways to Honor Your Loss and Support Loved Ones in Mourning first appeared on Thrive Wellness.

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Breaking Down Barriers: Debunking the Most Common Eating Disorder Myths

By Sage Tippie • February 14, 2025

This Eating Disorders Awareness Month, we’re focusing on fighting the misinformation and stereotypes surrounding eating disorders that so often create barriers to diagnosis and treatment. Myths about eating disorders can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and keep people from receiving effective and timely treatment when they need it. It’s no secret that the field of eating disorders is riddled with misinformation, leading to confusion, stigma, and shame for those struggling. In this blog post, we'll explore the common myths about eating disorders and fight them with concrete facts in the hopes of building a more informed and educated community when it comes to these serious mental health conditions. Eating Disorder Myths Versus Facts Myth: Only those who are medically underweight have an eating disorder. Fact: Someone can have an eating disorder at any weight. In fact, less than 6% of those diagnosed with an eating disorder are medically underweight. There is even a specific diagnosis for those who are not underweight showing the symptoms of anorexia called atypical anorexia. People of all sizes are at risk for serious complications from an eating disorder, not just those that are underweight. Myth: Only women have eating disorders Fact: Although often associated with teen girls, eating disorders can affect those of any gender and age. While stereotypes and stigma surrounding eating disorders may tell us that men are not commonly affected by them, research has found that nearly 25% of those who present for eating disorder treatment are male. Keeping an open mind around who can be affected by eating disorders allows for more accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment for those who need it. Myth: Eating disorders are just about food. Facts: While eating disorders always involve an unhealthy relationship with food or body image, they also are rooted in biological, psychological and sociocultural aspects. Eating disorders cannot be treated just by changing eating behaviors, but by addressing the mental aspect of the illness as well. This is why integrated treatment involving a team of social workers, primary care specialists, therapists, and in some cases occupational therapists or psychiatrists is so crucial: a holistic approach is needed to treat all aspects of an eating disorder. Myth: Eating disorders aren’t that serious. Fact: Eating disorders are extremely serious and life-threatening mental disorders that require dedicated treatment. In fact, anorexia nervosa has the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. By taking eating disorders and their diagnosis and treatment seriously, we can save lives. Myth: Eating disorders are a choice. Fact: Just like any other illness, eating disorders are not a choice or a phase, nor is recovery from an eating disorder just a simple decision to start eating more or less. Recovery is not dependent on willpower, but on ongoing professional treatment and long-term support. The recovery process can be lengthy and challenging, requiring patience and a supportive environment and team on your side. It is a gradual, step-by-step journey, rather than an instantaneous decision made on one person’s part. Myth: Eating disorders always involve negative body image. Fact: Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) does not have to do with body image. Those with ARFID may avoid many foods because of texture, taste, color, or smell, or feared outcomes of eating like choking or vomiting. Like any other eating disorder, ARFID is serious and requires specialized treatment like exposure-response prevention therapy. Myth: Eating disorders only affect White people. Fact: Although Black, Latina/o/x/e, Indigenous/Native, and Asian people are historically underrepresented in studies of eating disorders, large-scale studies have found that rates of eating disorders are the same or higher in all racial and ethnic groups as compared to white individuals (NEDA). Removing racial stereotypes around eating disorders can help to remove barriers that BIPOC individuals commonly face when seeking treatment. Dispelling the Myths: A Path Towards Understanding By addressing and dispelling these myths, we can create a safe space that promotes understanding and empathy. Eating disorders are not choices or phases, but debilitating mental health issues that can affect anyone. Recognizing the seriousness of these disorders is so important in reducing stigma and ensuring that those who are struggling receive the care and support they require. This month and every month, we encourage you to fight misinformation and stick up for those experiencing eating disorders, because knowledge and education can be one of the greatest assets to recovery for those who need it. If you or someone you know is in need of eating disorder support, don’t be afraid to reach out , our team of healthcare professionals are here for you. To learn more about eating disorders and the journey to recovery, download our free eating disorders guide .

Why Eating Disorder Awareness Matters

By Sage Tippie • February 6, 2025

Did you know that February is Eating Disorder Awareness month? Here at Thrive, we're passionate about educating our community and providing tools for eating disorder recognition while offering the specialized support and treatment that those with eating disorders deserve. Join us this month in the conversation around eating disorders and putting an end to harmful stereotypes and misinformation. Let's cover six reasons why building awareness around eating disorders is so crucial. 6 reasons why eating disorder awareness is important 1. Eating disorders are serious. Despite often being termed as a "choice" or a "phase," eating disorders are an incredibly serious psychological condition that require specialized treatment and support. Anorexia Nervosa has the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric diagnosis in the United States, and every 52 minutes, 1 person dies as a direct consequence of an eating disorder (NEDA) . By spreading awareness and providing early intervention in eating disorder treatment, we can not only change lives, but save them. 2. Eating disorders are more common than you think. 9% of the US population will have an eating disorder at some point in their lives and 22% of children and adolescents worldwide show symptoms of disordered eating (NEDA). Since eating disorders can be challenging to detect, many go undiagnosed. Raising awareness for eating disorders and educating our community partners about their symptoms can allow us to catch eating disorders as early as possible and bring these statistics down. 3. Fight harmful eating disorder stereotypes. A common stereotype in association with eating disorders is that of the "thin, white, affluent female," however, anyone is at risk of an eating disorder despite their appearance or background. Stereotypes associated with eating disorders around weight, gender, age and race can create serious barriers to seeking care and major disparities in treatment. People experiencing an eating disorder can face challenges in seeking and receiving treatment or may feel unworthy of recovery when they don’t fit a stereotype, preventing them from gaining needed support and treatment. Promoting diversity and representation through awareness and education can help to break down the harmful stereotypes that have historically surrounded eating disorders. 4. Eating disorder recovery is not a one person job. Family and loved ones’ involvement in eating disorder treatment is crucial for recovery. Family-based therapy (FBT) has proven to be effective in 50% of patients being treated for anorexia nervosa, and is effective in the treatment of other eating disorders as well. A strong support system and steadfast relationships through the struggles associated with eating disorders can lead to more effective and long-lasting recovery. With more awareness and education, people will be better equipped to provide assistance to their loved ones in recovery. 5. You’re not alone. Eating disorders can be an isolating and painful disorder, making those experiencing it feel like they’re the only ones, or that no one understands what they’re going through. Building an informed community through awareness and education can be the first step towards diagnosis and treatment for those who need it. 6. Recovery is Real. Those with eating disorders are capable of long-term recovery through appropriate treatment. Research has found that the earlier intervention takes place in the treatment of eating disorders, the better the odds of long-term recovery are. Awareness and education around eating disorders helps the people that need support find it sooner, resulting in a repaired relationship with food and the body and a fuller life. How can I get involved in eating disorder awareness efforts? To get involved in eating disorder awareness efforts, start by educating yourself about the complexities and different types of eating disorders. By gaining a deeper understanding, you can become a more effective advocate. You can also consider participating in local or national events such as walks, trainings, or online webinars that aim to raise awareness, provide support to those affected, and offer education around eating disorders and their diagnosis. Another simple step for building awareness can be using your social media platform to share factual information, personal stories, or relevant resources that can help demystify eating disorders and reduce stigma. Additionally, supporting legislative efforts that promote mental health education and funding for eating disorder research can help in creating systemic change. By taking these steps, you can contribute to this important movement and work alongside us to foster acceptance, encourage early intervention, and ultimately save lives. Eating Disorder Treatment and Support Thrive offers a free eating disorder guide with more information about eating disorder symptoms and recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with eating or body image, don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals for support. At Thrive Wellness, we offer a number of treatment options for all ages and genders, including a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program, outpatient therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition services, and more. Don’t wait to get started on treatment, contact us for a free eating disorder assessment today.

Alcohol and Mental Health: How Alcohol Effects Anxiety and Depression

By Thrive • January 24, 2025

You’ve probably heard of “Dry January” or are even participating yourself. More and more people seem to be experimenting with or embracing sobriety from alcohol, but what benefits are there from abstaining? In this article, we’ll explore alcohol’s effects on mental health, the symptoms of alcohol use disorder (AUD), and the benefits of cutting back on drinking. Alcohol's Effects on Mental Health Commonly consumed as a way to relax after a long day or to lighten up in social interactions, alcohol is a widely used and culturally accepted drug despite warnings of its dangers by health experts . When a person regularly drinks, it can result in a slew of complications for their physical and mental health. Although often consumed in an attempt to escape stress, sadness, or other unpleasant emotions, alcohol itself is a depressant that can contribute to negative feelings and exacerbate existing mental health conditions, especially with prolonged use. Alcohol influences thoughts, mood, and behaviors by impacting the central nervous system in a way that slows the communication between the brain and the body. Without the ability to process information effectively, the brain isn't able to regulate emotions and consider consequences effectively which may promote unhealthy behaviors, including drinking to excess. Ways that alcohol can affect cognitive functioning include: Lowering inhibitions Contributing to poor judgment Causing confusion Causing lapses in memory Disrupting sleep Contributing to shifts in mood Alcohol and Mental Disorders According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 37% of people with alcohol use disorders also have at least one serious mental illness. Furthermore, alcohol abuse commonly occurs alongside depression and anxiety . Research has shown that those with major depressive disorder and those with generalized anxiety disorder were more likely to report life‐time moderate to severe alcohol use disorder than those without these conditions. Frequently, individuals struggling with depression or anxiety self-medicate by drinking alcohol. Although alcohol may provide temporary relief, it expends the chemicals in the brain which help ward off anxiety and depression. When the initial effects of the drug fade, individuals are typically left feeling more depressed or anxious than they did before they began drinking. Related: Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse, and Substance Abuse Disorders Alcohol Use and Depression The slowed functioning of the brain caused by alcohol can allow individuals to numb to their suffering. As such, those experiencing depression may be inclined to drink to avoid the sadness, pain, and hopelessness associated with depression. This maladaptive coping behavior is so prevalent that research shows a clear relationship between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and major depression. Using alcohol while depressed can be extremely dangerous. Not only can alcohol negatively interact with antidepressants, but it can also place individuals experiencing depression at an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior . If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors , you can reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Alcohol Use and Anxiety According to a study on anxiety and AUD , a person with an anxiety disorder is two to three times more likely to develop an alcohol abuse disorder. When individuals with anxiety drink alcohol, they may feel an initial alleviation of their symptoms as well as a sense of euphoria. However, the symptoms of hangovers and alcohol withdrawal following heavy drinking can heighten feelings of anxiousness and interfere with ones daily obligations, contributing to even more agitation. This feeling of dread and anxiety associated with a hangover is commonly referred to as " hangxiety ," but for those with existing anxiety conditions, this side effect of drinking can feel unbearable. Individuals with anxiety may be driven to drink more to tamper their stress and re-establish the sense of euphoria, resulting in a dangerous cycle of alcohol abuse. Unhealthy Drinking Behaviors and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Most who regularly drink alcohol don't have AUD, which develops when addiction is present. However, alcohol-related side-effects on mental health are still common, and they may still benefit from mental health support . Signs of unhealthy alcohol use include: Feeling a need to consume alcohol to make it through the day Feeling unable to stop consuming alcohol Progressively feeling a need to increase consumption of alcohol Drinking to prevent or alleviate symptoms of hangover or withdrawal Feeling ashamed of ones alcohol consumption Having loved ones express concern over drinking habits AUD is a condition that is often driven by genetics, abuse, trauma, or unhealthy family dynamics. Healing from AUD is possible and it can be treated with the help of mental health professionals and a dedicated treatment plan. Signs of AUD include: Alcohol use that interferes with the ability to carry out daily activities Drinking despite the behaviors adverse effects on their life Often drinking more or for a longer period of time than intended Persistent desire and unsuccessful attempts to curb alcohol use Revolving their schedule around drinking Experiencing strong cravings for alcohol Continuing to drink despite experiencing recurring illness or social issues as a result of alcohol use Giving up activities one used to enjoy in favor of drinking Using alcohol during situations where its physically hazardous to be impaired Continuing to use alcohol despite knowing that it exacerbates a known existing health condition Developing a tolerance for alcohol, or needing more alcohol to feel the same effects Experiencing alcohol withdrawal or drinking more to avoid withdrawal What are the Mental Health Benefits of Going Sober or Drinking Less Alcohol? Reducing or eliminating your alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of mental health benefits, improving your overall quality of life. When going sober or cutting back on your alcohol consumption, some of the benefits you can look forward to are: Improved mood stability, including reduced feelings of depression and anxiety Improved sleep quality Enhanced cognitive function Increased energy levels Improved concentration and productivity Increased self-esteem More authentic social interactions Improved relationships Limiting your alcohol consumption has the capability to change your life for the better, as it can help you establish a healthier mental environment, build better connections, and improve your physical health. Support for Alcohol Abuse and its Mental Health Impacts As humans, it can be uncomfortable for us to process difficult experiences and feel intense emotions. Therapy can help heal the source of your struggles driving alcohol abuse, while also guiding you in implementing healthy strategies for processing painful emotions. Through professional mental health support, you can be empowered to embrace life without having to rely on alcohol. Thrive offers outpatient therapy for substance abuse struggles in addition to other mental and behavioral health conditions. Reach out to learn more. Additional Resources SAMHSAs National Helpline : A free, confidential, and 24/7 service for individuals and families facing mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders, reachable by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or texting 435748 (HELP4U). National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholisms (NIAAA) Treatment for Alcohol Problems : A guide for individuals and their loved ones who are looking for options to address struggles with alcohol use.