SATURDAY, Dec. 7, 2013 (HealthDay News) -- The holidays can be a time of sadness and grief for those who have lost a loved one, but there are things people can do to ease those feelings, an expert advises.
"Personal issues don't magically go away because the calendar turns to November or December. Problems with relationships, jobs, finances or health can take on enhanced importance during the supposedly 'merry' holiday period," Josh Klapow, an associate professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, said in a university news release.
"The death of a loved one during the holidays can trigger strong feelings, even if the death occurred several years ago," he noted. "In the case of someone who died recently, the holidays can take on a whole new meaning for their family and friends."
Klapow offered four ways to ease feelings of grief and sadness during the holidays:
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers holiday health and safety tips.