The Rounds: Death, grief and the holidays

Dec 11, 2023

The Rounds Podcast - Grief and the Holidays / Kathy Doe, M.S.W.

Death and grief can be taboo subjects in our culture, which only makes them less understood. Grief is a natural and important process we all go through when we experience loss, which can be harder over the holidays.

What tools exist to help us through grief? How do we navigate the holiday season when that special person is gone?

On this episode of The Rounds, we explore those questions and much more with Kathy Doe, an expert in grief management. Kathy has a master’s degree in social work and is the bereavement coordinator for Marshfield Medical Center-Rice Lake. She leads group sessions for those who are working through grief.

The Rounds: Death, grief and the holidays (text transcription)

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For questions about grief and the holidays, talk to a Marshfield Clinic Health System provider.

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7 responses to “The Rounds: Death, grief and the holidays”

Sandy

Dec 19, 2019

Can this apply to the loss of a pet also?

Reply
Bobbie

Dec 19, 2019

This is a wonderful podcast. I've sent it on to be shared with so many people who seem to be suffering now. Thank you for making it available.

Reply
1. Jacob Zipperer
  
  Dec 19, 2019
  
  Hi Bobbie,
  
  Thanks for reaching out. We are so glad you like this podcast and we appreciate you sharing it with other people! 🙂
  
  Hope all is well,
  Jake
  
  Reply
Dona E

Dec 21, 2018

Thanks for putting this valuable information out here. I could really identify with the phases of grief the doctor spoke of on death and dying. I lost my husband after a long illness in 2013. my mother died 14 months later and my father died in 2016. It was almost unbearable the loss I felt and I didn't try to muffle the grief I lived with it and prayed a lot. Today I am finally enjoying holidays again and life is good. Be kind to yourself and take the time you need, there aren't any rules in this journey.

Reply
1. Kirsten Shakal, Shine365 Editor
  
  Jan 2, 2019
  
  Thank you for sharing your experience, Dona. We are certain your advice will help other readers and listeners.
  
  -Kirstie
  
  Reply
Nancy Meyer

Dec 20, 2018

Very helpful, thank you. I lost a sister this year and now have a brother who is terminally ill. Singing Christmas carols becomes near impossible. Would that be considered a normal reaction?

Reply
1. Kirsten Shakal, Shine365 Editor
  
  Jan 2, 2019
  
  Hi, Nancy,
  
  We are so sorry for your loss and hardship. I shared your question with Kathy, bereavement coordinator, and she said it’s just not possible to classify grief as “normal,” that everyone experiences grief differently. She added that what you are experiencing is definitely not unusual.
  
  Kathy encourages you to seek out someone you can trust to talk with about these feelings – a good friend, church or family member. She also encourages people (if they have computer access) to subscribe to: grieftoolbox.com, which gives access to a lot of great resources and contacts with others who are experiencing similar feelings.
  
  Sending you our best wishes this holiday season.
  
  Kirstie
  
  Reply