I Don't Want to See my Niece This Christmas
And other thoughts we might have during the holidays after a miscarriage
Last week in the US, we celebrated Thanksgiving. Did we survive?
Celebrating any holiday after a pregnancy loss is TOUGH! The holidays are often a time to be with our loved ones. But how do we gather with loved ones when we are reminded of things we don’t have this holiday season? How do I smile, open gifts, share meals, and hug everyone as they walk in, when in reality, all I want to do is get back in my own bed with my covers over my head?
On the other hand, some of us might want to be with our loved ones. Being with our friends and family might feel the most helpful. Helpful until our younger sister’s four-year-old daughter comes bounding into the room and jumps on your lap - once again reminding you of what you don’t have this holiday season.
Despite the difficulty, there are things we can do this holiday season to support ourselves. Here are a few ways we can cope with loss during the holidays.
Listen to the latest episode of The Miscarriage Therapist!
Last week, I started a 6-part series on caring for ourselves during the holidays. In the first episode, I reviewed a skill from Dialectical Behavior Therapy called the PLEASE skill. It’s an incredibly useful (and straightforward) skill to practice!
Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Practice Self-Compassion!
Tomorrow, paid subscribers will receive a tool to practice self-compassion during the holidays. Self-Compassion is a wonderful tool to support us even in our darkest moments. The newsletter will review tools and practices researched and established by Kristin Neff (you can learn more about Kristin Neff at her website).
Not yet a paid subscriber?? You can upgrade your subscription at any time!
Join my next Pregnancy Loss Psychotherapy and Support Group
This virtual group will review skills to help you cope with the holidays and provide support from other loss parents. Email me to sign up!
What are ways you are coping during the holiday season? If you want to be featured on the podcast, send me an email or a voice memo on how you are coping! You might be featured on an upcoming episode about the holidays. Email me at erin@taproottherapynyc.com, send me a message on Substack, or DM me on Instagram (@themiscarriagetherapist).
Stay tuned next week as we continue to explore more ways to cope during this time.