Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

News

Dealing with divorce, disappointment and trauma during the ‘most wonderful time of the year’

holiday season
The holiday season can be a tough time of year for those who find themselves dealing with the loss of loved ones or major life changes like a recent divorce. Experts say journaling is a key way to get the feelings out in a safe space. Have you tried writing down troubling thoughts and keeping a written record of the things you are thankful for each day? (Photo Courtesy of Nappy.Co_Leeana)

by Special to the AFRO
By Nijiama Smalls,
The Black Girl’s Guide to Healing Emotional Wounds

I’m so excited that the holidays are finally here! I adore this time of the year. For many of us, however, the holidays can bring various emotions during this season.

Many will tell you not to be sad during the holidays. I’m here to tell you that is incorrect!

If you have suffered death, divorce, or any other trauma, the holidays may bring those emotions to the surface– and it’s perfectly okay.

For me, every major holiday is a reminder that my cousin, who left this earth way too suddenly, is not here to enjoy it with me; that she will never meet my children, and I will never hear her laugh again. It hurts. I’m still grieving and I’ve learned to make space for the grief.

Accepting current circumstances and learning to move forward is easier said than done! Take advantage of counselors available to speak with you by dialing 988 on a phone or scheduling a therapy session to figure out a coping method that best suits you. (Photo by Unsplash_Sydney Simms)

I’ve also learned it’s actually very healthy to experience these emotions because we are dealing with them and healing. We certainly do not want the sadness to cripple us but we should honor our emotions and allow them to flow when necessary.

We harm ourselves when we keep our emotions bottled up. This causes us to lash out or explode at minor things (sadly, I’ve done this before and it was not a pretty picture). It may also cause us to become so engulfed in emotions that we cry very easily at the slightest annoyance. Crying is our body’s way of telling us that we need to heal. Honor your emotions, feel your feelings, and heal.

A few steps to begin the healing process:

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
  1. Visit a therapist
  2. Journal your feelings and spend time in prayer
  3. Learn to embrace acceptance to help you cope with the pain that has occurred

Help us Continue to tell OUR Story and join the AFRO family as a member –subscribers are now members!  Join here! 

ADVERTISEMENT

IMM Mask Promos

I Messenger Media Radio Shows

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

News

Memorial Street Toppers Will Be Placed at the Location Where the First Responder Lost Their Life

News

Protect Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Funding Dear City Council Members, RE: Recent decision by the Quality-of-Life Committee to pause Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s (DBDT)...

News

Noted speakers, fashion influencers, and branding experts are just a few of the inspiring women headlining The Girl Get Dressed Festival,  on November 2,...

Spotlight Story

At the Southern Gourmet Kitchen, they’re passionate about Southern cuisine and hospitality. Their restaurant was founded on principles of quality ingredients, family recipes, and...

Advertisement