If you or someone you know has recently lost a loved one, understand this can be a hard time of year for them. 

The grieving process varies for each person, can last longer for some. But a pastoral care professional and bereavement coordinator for OSF Hospice says grief is a part of the healing process. Among the long list of coping suggestions, one may help the most: know your physical and mental limits in holiday social situations and set expectations accordingly. Rita Manning says we shouldn’t be afraid to bring up the memory of a lost loved one.

She says you should keep an eye on the grieving person for signs of a bigger issue. Someone may start eating or sleeping too much or too little. Also, watch for changes in their appearance, like how they dress. If the grief reaches a crisis (such as specific plans for self-harm), seek help right away.