SAN DIEGO HOSPICE PROVIDES GRIEF SUPPORT DURING HOLIDAY SEASON

Grief experts provide tips on coping with the holidays after the loss of a loved one

November 25, 2012 (San Diego) -- Signs of the approaching holiday season have descended upon the general public through vibrant store displays, jingling television and radio commercials, and a rush of decorative party invitations from employers, friends and family.  

However, for those grieving the death of a loved one, the festive holiday season itself can be a very overwhelming experience. The Center for Grief Care and Education at San Diego Hospice understands these challenges and would like to remind the community about its comprehensive grief support programs and services to help people cope with the holidays.



“We all know grief doesn’t take a season off,” said Noreen Carrington, Executive Director of The Center for Grief Care and Education at San Diego Hospice. “That is why we encourage all community members who are grieving this holiday season to practice self-care: decide what holiday activities are priorities, be open about your feelings, consider meeting with one of our skilled therapists, and even attend one of our grief groups for extra support.”  



San Diego Hospice offers year-round grief support services to families after the death of its patients. Services are also offered to the community-at-large who are grieving the recent loss of a loved one.  



The Center for Grief Care and Education at San Diego Hospice offers Understanding Grief: A Workshop for the Newly Bereaved. This monthly workshop is specifically designed for adults who have recently been impacted by death and is open to the general public, free of charge, and held the first Tuesday of each month at San Diego Hospice (Board Room), located at 4311 Third Avenue in Hillcrest. In addition, other grief support services include professionally led individual counseling and support groups two times per week throughout San Diego, as well as support groups that focus on specific types of loss. 



“The extra demands associated with preparing and celebrating the holidays, as well as memories of past holidays with their deceased loved ones, can make the holiday season a very challenging one for those who are grieving,” said Carrington. “We want everyone to know that they are not alone because we are here to help.”



About San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine

San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine is one of the largest community-owned, not-for-profit hospices in the country, bringing compassionate, expert medical care to nearly 800 seriously ill adults and children each day throughout San Diego County. In addition, more than 12,000 individuals annually receive grief and loss support through the Center for Grief Care and Education at San Diego Hospice. For more information, visit www.sdhospice.org or call toll-free 866-688-1600. Join our online communities on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+,YouTube and The Caregiver’s Corner blog.