It seems that in February, everyone is talking about love B次元官网网址� itB次元官网网址檚 a sentimental season with thoughts of romance and togetherness, with ValentineB次元官网网址檚 Day at the heart of it all.

But if youB次元官网网址檙e grieving after the loss of a partner, this retail and media messaging around the season of love can amplify your sense of loss and loneliness. Add to that the dark and dreary winter days and even greater sadness can follow.

The good news is that FebruaryB次元官网网址檚 arrival also brings a little more daylight, and the promise of spring just around the corner, says Julie Evans, from .

B次元官网网址淪pring brings us new beginnings with a sense of renewal and hope,B次元官网网址� Evans says.

Having helped many families through holidays and special occasions following a loss, Evans shares a few ideas to make the season a little easier:B次元官网网址淚 think itB次元官网网址檚 important to plan how youB次元官网网址檙e going to get through the day,B次元官网网址� she says.

• Make arrangements with friends to get out of the house B次元官网网址� Plan a lunch out or a potluck dinner, take in a movie, or meet for a walk at a favourite park.
• Get active and soak in a little late-winter sunshine.
• Honour your loved one in a meaningful way B次元官网网址� maybe creating a scrapbook, for example, or volunteering in their name, suggests Evans, who with the team from Sands Colwood and took time last week to in memory of their loved ones.
• Self-care is also important. Some people will find activities like journaling or blogging are therapeutic, or maybe treat yourself with a gift that your special someone would have given you. You might also consider signing up for a community course as a commitment to getting out of the house and engaged with people again.
• Keep it positive where you can B次元官网网址� you might consider tuning out from traditional and social media for a few days, if you find that discouraging or highlighting your loss at a time designed for couples, Evans suggests.
• And remember, at the end of the day, itB次元官网网址檚 OK to grieve, however that looks for you. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 really important not to be isolated during the winter months and holidays,B次元官网网址� she says. B次元官网网址淎nd remember, one step at a time will get you to the other side.B次元官网网址�

In the first year or so after the loss of a loved one, milestones and special occasions can feel lonely, but you donB次元官网网址檛 have to be alone.

For more information, drop by at ., and if you would benefit from some extra support during the first year after a loss, may help.