RALEIGH, N.C. — The holidays can be tough on families experiencing grief.

This is the first Christmas people across North Carolina will be coping with the loss of loved ones after Hurricane Helene.

What You Need To Know

  • Holidays can be challenging for grieving families 
  • This Christmas, North Carolinians will be coping with the loss of loved ones from Hurricane Helene
  • Dr. Justin Yopp, an associate professor at UNC Chapel Hill, says it’s important to give yourself grace while coping with grief

Dr. Justin Yopp, an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UNC Chapel Hill, says it’s important for people to give themselves grace while coping with grief.

“Grief is about finding a new path forward," he said. "A key thing is for families to communicate with each other about new traditions and whether they want to keep old traditions."

Yopp says there are four steps to navigating grief during the holidays:

  • Find a new path forward
  • Communicate with family
  • Talk about your feelings
  • Remember it’s OK to grieve