HOW TO COPE WITH THE EMOTIONAL DEMANDS OF THE HOLIDAYS AFTER THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE

Albany, NY -- November 26 -- Any holiday season can be overwhelming for those who have recently lost a loved one or for those who are still experiencing grief from an earlier loss. Demands on our time and energy to have a perfect holiday "just like it used to be" are unrealistic and unhealthy for everyone and especially so for the bereaved.

Bonnie Tippy, executive director of the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA), has some suggestions on how to cope with the emotional demands of the season: "Treasure the old but welcome the new. Keep memories of holidays past and the people we have loved who are no longer in our lives but allow your holiday season to evolve, with its own special surprises and cherished moments."

Ms. Tippy says that it is important to seek balance at hectic holiday times. "Along with the pressures of parties and frenzied schedules, be sure to take care of yourself. Make time for exercise and eat light, nourishing meals. Feelings of loss can leave you fatigued so set limitations for yourself and don't try to do everything you might have done in the past."

If you feel that the holiday season will be very difficult for you to manage emotionally, Ms. Tippy recommends that you ask your family funeral director if they offer bereavement counseling of if they can recommend a local bereavement counselor. "You can also check with organizations such as Community Hospice who sponsor special holiday grief recovery programs which are often free of charge."

Ms. Tippy added that, "The important thing to remember is that everyone experiences grief in a different way, and sometimes getting help to resolve that grief is a wise thing to do."

Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members operate. More than 800 licensed funeral firms across the state belong to the New York State Funeral Directors Association. NYSFDA maintains a Website www.nysfda.org , publishes Transitions , a consumer information newspaper column and the Funeral Consumers Information Series, conducts ongoing educational sessions for members and consumers, and manages PrePlan, a preneed trust fund for persons who wish to prefund their own funerals.