When you are forced to say goodbye to a loved one, there is simply no season or time of year that will make such a farewell any easier. With that said, there are specific times of year where grief and mourning can feel particularly acute. We at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home are a Trumbull, Connecticut funeral home that has been serving the area since 1906. Below, we discuss three reasons why grief can be more intense during the winter months and how you can manage it.

Why Grief Can Be More Intense During the Winter

1. Shorter Days & a Lack of Sun

With winter comes shortened days and a drastic reduction in sunlight. These factors can have a profound impact on one's mood — the clinical term for this condition is Seasonal Affective Disorder. A recent loss paired with less daylight can cause your grief to feel especially piercing and challenging, so be sure you are engaging in good self-care and have a solid social support system in place for the months ahead.

2. No Social Support

And speaking of social support systems, they are imperative to managing one's grief. With colder temperatures and winter weather comes a greater likelihood of isolation and self-imposed exile. After all, winter provides the perfect excuse not to go out and connect with others. While it's important to have some alone time, social time is equally vital. With the winter in front of us, be certain to schedule regular time with family and friends during this period of grief.

3. Cabin Fever

It's never a good idea to coop yourself up in your home for days or weeks at a time. In addition to the social isolation, you are also driving yourself stir-crazy. A lack of fresh air and little or no physical exercise contribute further to the problem, but when you figure grief into the occasion as well, you have the recipe for an extremely tough winter. Make it a priority to get out for a few minutes each day, even if that just means bundling up and sitting on your porch in the sun.

If you are in need of a caring, compassionate funeral home, give us a call at (203) 373-1013. We offer an array of funeral planning services as well as grief counseling options. You can also reach us through our website or our Facebook or Twitter pages, and soon you will be connected with one of the region's most trusted funeral homes.