Father’s Day is around the corner, and people cannot wait to celebrate their fathers and shower them with appreciation.
However, this day is not a happy day for all, as some people might have recently lost their fathers and still haven’t coped with navigating life without them.
For them, this serves as a constant reminder that the father is no more, and they can sometimes choose to ignore this day.
There are ways suggested to shed light on the positive aspects of this painful time. Happiful, an online magazine that produces mental health and wellbeing content, shared tips on how to stumble upon grief with positivity.
Embrace your emotions: Your reactions towards the day might not be consistent; you might sometimes feel okay and think of the good memories you share with your dad, and on another Father’s Day, you feel blue and want him to come back. The above-mentioned hub states that unexpected reactions are common and might vary widely based on our state of mind and emotions. However, regardless of how easy or tough our feelings are, it’s important to acknowledge and embrace them. Even though it’s uncomfortable, the hub suggests connecting with our emotions can help us work out the issue and eventually be able to handle it.
Hold on to the good times: Integrative counsellor Rav Sekhon, spoke to Happiful and also gave some pointers on how to face this issue with grace. He said that Father’s Day can be a time to reflect on happy memories with your dad, share stories, and celebrate his legacy. “Although it’s likely to be a sad time of year for you, there may be some value in taking a different perspective, depending on where you’re at with the process of bereavement,” said Rav.
Have a support system: The counsellor claims that interacting with people is important. You may sometimes require time alone with your feelings, but letting others be there for you helps to ease the pain. Having friends, family, or other support systems can help you manage your wellbeing.
It’s okay to shut the world out: If you’re feeling upset about seeing others celebrating Father’s Day, Rav says it’s okay to take a break from social media and focus on your feelings. “Identifying your feelings and planning your next steps can be a healthy and constructive way to use the day. Expressing your emotions through talking, art, writing, or seeking professional help can help you feel better.”
Create a memorial: An online health and social wellness agency, JJSA, suggested that one should honour their father by creating a memory they’ll always go back to. This includes planting a tree or memorial garden and creating a memory book. The publication also advised on volunteering on his behalf or giving to a charity.
Also see: A peek into the life of a single father
